Thai Plan Calls for 10% Annual Output Boost to 2016
The blueprint sees the country as one of the world's key manufacturing hubs, with production increasing from 2.3 million units this year to 5.6 million in 2050.
The Thailand Automotive Institute prepares to submit a 5-year auto industry master plan for 2012-2016 focused on increasing output an average 10% a year.
The plan, alongside a study of long-term development of the industry, aims to establish the country as one of the world's key manufacturing hubs by increasing production from 2.3 million units this year to 5.6 million in 2050.
The English-language The Nation newspaper reports the targeted output is 3.3 million units in 2020, 4.5 million by 2030, 5.0 million by 2040 and 5.6 million in 2050.
The plan also calls for increasing the industry’s use of local content from 40% now to 50%.
Industry Ministry Permanent Secretary Witoon Simachokedee says the blueprint will be submitted to the industry minister for approval soon.
The plan sees manufacturing concentrating on development in four areas: vehicles using alternative energy such as electricity, biodiesel, ethanol and compressed natural gas; lightweight cars with a high standard for energy saving; autos equipped with information technology to facilitate driving; and high-safety manufacturing in all vehicle types.
Witoon says there will be no “product champion” as in the two previous master plans, which focused on pickups and eco-cars.
Institute President Patima Jeerapaet tells the newspaper the proposal also focuses on five key structural areas: technology and research and development; achieving excellence in skilled-labor and human-resources development; strengthening the competitiveness of manufacturers; encouraging a favorable environment from basic infrastructure upward; and forming a policy-steering committee for the auto and auto-parts industry.
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