Thread: Toyota pledges record investment to make Thailand regional hub for eco-car production

Japanese automotive giant Toyota has announced to make Thailand a regional hub for eco-cars with confidence of the country's potential and pledge of record high investment in 50 years.

This was revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak after a top executive team from Toyota Motors Japan led by its Senior Managing Officer Shinya Kotera paid him a visit.

The Japanese team had officially voiced confidence in Thailand’s potential for becoming the regional hub for eco-car production for emerging markets, Somkid said.

He said the Japanese executive plans to make long term commitments in the local automotive industry.

This came about after Toyota bought Daihatsu and merged them into Toyota Daihatsu Emerging-Market Compact Car. This will be based in Thailand for eco-car production for emerging markets with eventual plans to supplying eco-cars for the global market.

The plan will be proposed to the board of Toyota in May and if approved will represent the highest amount invested by Toyota in 50 years, Somkid said.

Future plans to meet the global demand for eco-cars will include production facilities for batteries, hybrids and fully electric automobiles, he said.

Mr Somkid said further that in order to accomplish this, Toyota is committed to developing local technological know-how for the local workforce vital to the plan.

Toyota pledges record high investment in 50 years to make Thailand regional hub for eco-car production - Thai PBS English News

Wow- democratic eco-warriers lining up to buy eco-cars built in a repressive military dictatorship. What could possibly go wrong?

Yes...Whatever happened to the "wary investor" stance that was gonna see Thailand finally screwing itself?...

Think Volkswagen is striking a deal with North Korea...

That's OK if we can get a locally built Copen.

I thought the japs were smarter than that but but at least there gonna give it a shot for 50 years?

^ They must have voted in a new CEO who likes "punting"...