Mazda Launches Output of Eco Car at Thailand JV Plant
Mazda is investing TB9.7 billion to build 158,000 Mazda2s and 200,000 auto parts annually. Another TB2.9 billion will be spent to produce engines for the small car.
Mazda Thailand’s 12.6 billion-baht ($383.4 million) eco-car production program gets under way as the automaker prepares for the vehicle’s world premiere at this month’s Thailand International Motor Expo.
Thai Prime Minister Chakramon Phasukavanich was on hand for the opening ceremony for the Mazda2 eco-car production line at the AutoAlliance (Thailand) plant Mazda shares with Ford in Rayong province.
Senior Managing Executive Yuji Nakamine says details of the eco-car’s specifications, price and sales plans will be disclosed at the motor expo, which runs Nov. 29-Dec. 10.
Yuji tells the Bangkok Post the Mazda2 meets all the requirements of the second phase of the government’s eco-car program including a 1.5L diesel engine releasing less than 100 g/km carbon dioxide and achieving 54.5 mpg (4.3 L/100 km).
It also boasts Mazda’s SkyActiv high-technology transmission system.
Nakamine says TB9.7 billion ($296.1 million) will be spent to build 158,000 vehicles and 200,000 auto parts annually. Another TB2.9 billion (87.3 million) will be invested in engine production, which will get under way in fourth-quarter 2015.
“Despite the dramatic fall in car sales this year, the parent company in Japan still feels optimistic about the market here,” Nakamine tells the newspaper. “The Thai market is expected to recover in the near future.”
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