Suzuki starts building automobile plant in Thailand
Suzuki Motor Corporation is moving forward with its plans to take part in Thailand’s eco-car project. Suzuki received Thai approval for eco-car production in December 2007. The company put its plans on hold but then got the Thai go-ahead to start building an automobile plant. It will hold a ground-breaking ceremony at the Hemaraj Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Rayong Province on 30 November 2009.
Suzuki plans to invest 20 billion yen in construction of an automobile plant that will have facilities for pressing, welding, painting, assembly, and engine production. It plans to start producing eco-cars at the plant in March 2012.
Suzuki is also set to reorganize its Thai automobile sales operations. It currently markets automobiles in Thailand through its local sales subsidiary, Suzuki Automobile (Thailand), but plans to gradually shift sales operations to its local production company, Suzuki Automobile Manufacturing (Thailand).
Overview of Suzuki Automobile Manufacturing (Thailand)
| Date established | April 2008 |
|---|---|
| Plant location | Hemaraj Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate, Rayong Province |
| Plant area | 650,000m2 |
| Investment amount | Approx. ¥20 billion |
| Number of employees | Approx. 800 |
| Model to be produced | Compact car |
| Start of production | March 2012 (planned) |
| Production volume | 10,000 units (planned) by end of December of first year |
Reference information: Thai requirements for participation in eco-car project
| Engine displacement | Emissions | CO2 | Fuel consumption | Production volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol: 1,300cc or smaller Diesel: 1,400cc or smaller |
Euro 4 | Max. 120g/km | Max. 5L/100km (Min. 20km/L) | 100,000 units in fifth year |
