FTI Presentation ready for download

The presentation from last Fridays AFG Meeting is ready for online viewing and download. Please click here to access the presentation.

Nice turnout at AFG Meeting on Friday 27th of January

A very interesting evening with more than 40 members attending the presentation of Khun Charn Saralertsophon, Executive VP from Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Khun Charn covered the effect of the 'Great Flood' in 2011 emphasizing the resilience of the industry which is expected to 'bounce back' and display further growth in 2012 and the following years.

The presentation will be made available for download within the next days for AFG Members.

In an unannounced surprise presentation, Uli Kaiser introduced a preview of the upcoming THAI AUTO BOOK 2012 which will be available for the iPad. It's a comprehensive directory of Thai based OEM's Tier 1s, organizations, industrial parks, events and supporting industries providing basic information about the companies, address data, contact information, maps and is aimed at professionals both in Thailand as well as in ASEAN and overseas in Europe and the US. You can register your business for free here.

A directory of the Thai Automotive Industry

After this presentation, AFG President Jim Beeson presented AFG member and correspondent Doc Iain Corness with a 50,000 Baht grant towards his 'Retro Racing Program'. The Doc will invite AFG members to future race events and can also organize 'special outings'. From usually well informed circle we heard the he is looking for additional supporters – and can be contacted by email in this matter.

After the talk the NOVA PLATINUM had prepared a fabulous poolside networking setting which inspired many participants to stay around, discuss and exchange ideas.

More mobility raises pressure to improve

Thai professionals and entrepreneurs are being warned to upgrade their skills in preparation for strongercompetition in the face of greater movement of skilled labour in Asean and other Asian countries, especially China and India, in the next four to five years.

PM outlines Thailand's automotive hub vision

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has declared Thailand's vision to be the automotive production hub of Asia.

He told the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, yesterday that the country has geared its policy towards becoming the region's major auto producer.

Mr Abhisit told the ``Thailand and the Global Automotive Industry'' session that the vision was buoyed by the government's competitive export-oriented industry well known for producing high-quality one-tonne pickup trucks, eco-cars and motorcycles.

AFG Meeting Report

The Eastern Seaboard’s Automotive Focus Group (AFG) held their first monthly meeting for 2010 at the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya’s function rooms. Now with around 60 members as at the end of 2009, the AFG does represent a sizable voice locally.
Under the leadership of Mike Diamente (Dana), the AFG has grown in numbers, though the members present at the first meeting suggested that the group should attempt to expand even further to take in even more of the automotive manufacturers and parts and associated companies.

Bangkok Post: Market eyes 9% growth

December closed out 2009 with sales of 72,085 new vehicles resulting in record hauls for the month in all major categories and the best year-ending performance in three years.

Flood-Affected Auto Makers In Thailand To Resume Full Production In Q1 2012

The Thai Automotive Industry Association (TAIA) said on Tuesday that flood-affected auto makers in the country would resume full production by the first quarter of 2012, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.

Pickups could be the winners after the floods

The first month of the New Year is about to pass by but the problems caused by the flood last year have not been completely taken care of.

Honda, the second-biggest passenger-car manufacturer in the country, is still unable to resume production while other major auto-makers, despite not being directly affected by the flood, are facing parts disruption and are not capable of producing at full capacity.

Thai Auto output to reach 2 million units in 2012

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) on Monday said it expects automotive production in the country to reach a record high of two million vehicles in 2012.

This would translate into a year-on-year increase of 37 percent compared to 2011 when production plunged 11.4 percent to 1.46 million vehicles.
Of total, 733,950 were manufactured for export, accounting for 50.3 percent of total. This showed a 17.9 percent drop from a year earlier. Domestic demand decreased as slightly as 0.80 percent, as 794,080 vehicles were sold in 2011.

BMW pushes for CO2 excise rate

BMW reaffirmed its position on the implementation of a carbon dioxide (CO2) emission-based excise tax rate for vehicles to enable Thailand's automobile industry to achieve sustainable development and set a precedent for global environmental concerns.

Thailand's current excise tax system for vehicles is calculated based on engine size and horsepower. BMW said engine displacement and horsepower are not indicators of an environmentally friendly vehicle as opposed to the level of CO2 emissions.

Thai governments have discussed BMW's policy for many years, said Ronald Gentsch, managing director for vehicle distribution at BMW AG and honorary investment adviser at the BoI Fair 2011.

Malaysian auto sales growth 'modest' in 2012

Sales fell 0.9 percent to 599,877 units as Japan's earthquake and tsunami and record floods in neighbouring Thailand caused supply chain disruptions, said Aishah Ahmad, head of the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

Malaysia -- Southeast Asia's second-largest vehicle market after Indonesia, according to the MAA -- had seen 2010 sales grow 12.7 percent to 605,156 units thanks to a robust domestic economy and strong consumer confidence.

Bangkok Post: New auto show plans to rev up next month

New Auto Show at BITEC:

The First Auto Show Thailand 2012 (FAST), the newest member of Thailand's myriad motor shows, will be held from Feb 29-March 4 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (Bitec) on Bang Na-Trat Road.

The event is indeed the first auto show on the calendar.

King of Auto Products (KAP), the organiser and subsidiary of Autocar (Thailand), said the inaugural edition of FAST is purely an automobile sales event, with an emphasis on certified used cars.

Bangkok Post: Auto output to double

Local automobile production is projected to almost double in the first quarter this year in line with the recovering economy, says Surapong Phaisitpatthanapong, spokesman for Federation of Thai Industries' automobile industry club.

Read the whole story here.

Bangkok Post: FTI: Car exports up 23.86% in Dec

Car exports last month rose to 53,600 units or 23.86% year-on-year, Federation of Thai Industries' Automotive Industry Club spokesman Surapong Paisitpattanapong said.

However,  auto exports in December dropped 58,665 units or 8.63 per cent from November. Last month's export value was 25.21 billion baht, up 41.81 per cent.

Read the whole story here.

Indonesia becomes biggest automotive market in ASEAN

Indonesia has replaced Thailand as ASEAN`s biggest automotive market with car sales reaching 890,410 units in 2011.

"Thailand has been projected to restrain with a total industrial volume of 800,300 units from year to year in 2011," Vice President of Automotive Practice at the research company Frost & Sullivan Asia Pasifik, Vivek Vaidya, said in Jakarta on Wednesday.
First Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Motor Vehicles Industry (Gaikindo) Jongkie D Sugiarto also said that Indonesia`s car sales in 2011 had exceeded Thailand`s.

Thailand Stocks Up: Aapico, Ratchaburi, Somboon, Sub Sri Thai

The automotive industry was upgraded to “overweight” from “neutral” by Suchot Tirawannarat, an analyst at KGI Securities (Thailand) Pcl, who cited the recovery of production following floods in the country. The analyst’s top buys are Somboon Advance Technology Pcl (SAT TB) and Aapico Hitech Pcl (AH TB).

Navara may strain capacity

Limited production capacity is the main concern for Mitsubishi Motors Thailand if Nissan moves some of its Navara pickup truck production to the local Mitsubishi plant.

Toyota forecasts 7.4% market growth this year

Cooling economic growth forecast at 4% this year means local automobile sales will not match last year's record pace, but should still rise 7.4% to 860,000 units, says Toyota Motor Thailand.

Economic growth of nearly 7% last year helped push up industry-wide sales by 45.8% to 800,357 units, smashing the record of 703,432 units set in 2005.

Thailand lures more US investors

The recent road show to the US held by Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) showed the country received confirmation from giant American investors of their investment expansion projects, according to Minister of Industry Chaiwuti Bannawat who led the road show.

KBank supports Thai Summit with 1.5 Billion Baht facility

Mr. Vasin Vanichvoranun, Executive Vice President, KASIKORNBANK and Mrs. Somporn Juangroongruengkit, President, Thai Summit PK Corporation Co., Ltd. and Groups jointly signed a financial agreement worth 1428.50 million baht to support the major auto part manufacturer in Thailand. Thai Summit PK Corporation Co., Ltd. is largest Thai automotive manufacturing supplier in South East Asia. The event was recently held at Pattana Golf and Sports Resort, Sri Racha, Chonburi.

REUTERS: Toyota confident in Thailand, invests despite flood

Toyota Motor Corp said on Tuesday it would spend 8.2 billion baht ($257 million) on investment in Thailand, showing its confidence in the Southeast Asian car sector hub despite floods last year that caused severe disruption to the sector.

The Japanese car maker is building a manufacturing plant at Gateway industrial park and restarting a production line at its Thai Auto Works (TAW) plant, where its Fortuners were produced, Kyoichi Tanada, president of the Toyota Motor Thai unit, told a briefing.

Malaysia to Sell Stake in Proton

Malaysia's state investment firm said it will sell its 43% stake in national car maker Proton Holdings Bhd., the latest in a series of government sales meant to spur growth in the important Southeast Asian economy.

The sale, to Malaysian conglomerate DRB-Hicom Bhd. for 1.29 billion ringgit ($412 million), also could also Proton's competitiveness in a crowded Asian auto market.

Ford Says Thailand Floods Prevented Asia Unit From Making Profit

Ford Motor Co. said floods in Thailand caused a 2011 loss for its Asia Pacific and Africa region, preventing the automaker from achieving its goal to be profitable in all its global business units.

“The impact of the Thai floods is a bit bigger than we anticipated,” Ford Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth told analysts yesterday in a presentation at the Detroit auto show. “We guided in the third quarter that all business units would be profitable for the full year. We now think that’s no longer possible because of the impact of the Thai floods.”

Bosch sells low-tech brakes ops to buyout firm

(Reuters) - Robert Bosch GmbH ROBG.UL, the world's largest car parts maker, is to sell what remains of its low-tech brakes business to KPS Capital Partners, a U.S. buyout firm which one source familiar with the deal said paid around 200 million euros.
Bosch, like other global players in the auto parts markets, wants to focus on more profitable high-tech components, leaving production of more mainstream parts to rivals with a lower cost base.

Ford & Social Media

In 2009 Ford executives were highly visible in social media. From Twitter Q&As to open discussions on Ford’s Facebook Wall to blogger meet ups to guest blog posts. In 2010 Ford is dedicated to continuing to engage with online influencers, and Ford fans using social media channels.

Ask Ford CEO Alan Mulally!

You can submit a question to @HuffingtonPost for Ford CEO Alan Mulally who will be answering a few reader questions on Monday.

What did YOU always want to ask Mr Mulally? Click here to learn more.

***** Winter Weather Advisory *****

We all probabaly hope the the extreme cold and icy conditions will avoid us this year. However the temparatures have already been drastically cold at times. Unfortunately. the vehicles that we drive can experience difficulties thay may not have in these cold times. It's a good idea to make sure your vehicle is checked out thouroughly this winter to ensure your safe and uninterrupted travel.




Fluid levels and quality should definitely be at the proper levels to avoid damage or breakdown of the vehicles moving parts. Kwik Kar can perform these tests for you at no charge.
The battery is severely stressed in extreme temperatures. A simple and quick test of the battery and the charging system can be done for free at Kwik Kar
Believe it or not but a good set of headlamp bulbs, working properly can assist greatly in avoiding any possible weather related road conditions. Kwik Kar can install light bulbs for just a few dollars.
Tires are obviously extremely important in any weather conditions. However, changing a flat in snow, ice, or just plain cold wind is never a chore we want to endure. Kwik Kar can easily determine the right tire pressure needed for your vehicle an no cost. And also provided you with a FREE estimate if tires might be needed.
If you ever have any questions or concerns, please call 887-KWIK. From express oil changes to complete repair, Kwik Kar can do it all. Call 887-5945.

Toyota expects market conditions to improve in 2010

Toyota Australia expects market conditions to improve in 2010, as the economy continues to recover and help lift demand for cars.

There are few negatives on the outlook for the year ahead, Toyota Australia senior executive director of sales and marketing David Buttner says.

Bangkok Post: Small cars take centre stage at Delhi auto show

A host of new small cars were Tuesday set to jostle for attention at the start of the Indian auto show, a showpiece event for compact vehicles in one of the world's fastest growing markets.

Bangkok Post: Hybrid tax breaks tabled

The cabinet yesterday deferred consideration of duty exemptions on parts imported for hybrid cars, pending a broader review of incentives for other types of fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.

Bangkok Post: Asean integration aids parts makers

Asean integration should help not hinder Thai auto parts makers but the government needs to quickly clear hurdles to growth, say industry executives.

Tsunami and flood make disastrous year for car sales

NATURAL disasters took the wind out of last year's vehicle market and robbed it of a potential record after tens of thousands of sales were lost, the industry said yesterday.

Australia broke the million mark for only the fourth time last year -- with 1,008,437 vehicles sold -- but the total was 2.6 per cent down on 2010 and more than 40,000 below forecast.

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan and floods in Thailand combined to choke supply while devastated communities from Queensland to Western Australia put a lid on demand, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said, in what was an unprecedented year of "uncertainty and instability".

Nadzmi reveals his plans for Proton

Interesting interview with Proton Holdings Bhd chairman Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh on his plan of action for Proton, if he were to get the stake from Khazanah Nasional.

Suzuki to Spend Nearly $800 Million to Boost Engine, Automobile Output In Indonesia

Suzuki Motor Corp. (7269.TO) said Wednesday it will build a new engine factory in Indonesia as part of a Y60 billion ($779 million) expansion to increase output of small, four-wheeled vehicles in the fast-growing Southeast Asian market.

"Suzuki Motor Corp plans to invest nearly $800 million to expand its automobile production facilities in Indonesia over the next two years," Soebronto Laras, the president of Jakarta-based PT Suzuki Indomobil Motor, told the Wall Street Journal.

Mercy GLE 63 AMG was ready introduced at the auto show

Rumors about the launch of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 AMG Coupe back sticking out. A number of information calls, a coupe that will be present at the Detroit Auto show, January 12, upcoming.

As reported by Worldcarfans, Tuesday (04/01/2015), Germany has been preaching the media that this Coupe GLE will greet automotive lovers at the Detroit car show or the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), 12 January to come. Previously the original manufacturer that Germany is indeed promising, GLE 450 AMG will be present at Detroit.

The car was carrying twin-turbo V6 engine 3000 cc which could develop a power of up to 520 Nm torque with 367hp. but, the machine was also estimated it will borrow a car engine V8 twin-turbo 4.0-liter from the AMG C63 and GT.

In the meantime, Mercy is still silent about the details of this car's specifications. But, in the AMG engine capable spouting GT power 462 horsepower with torque of 600 Nm while the GT S AMG can reach 510 horsepower and torque of 650 Nm.

If the news was true, the usual version of the Coupe GLE is estimated to be present in the upcoming Spring dealer. After that menyusulMercy GLE 63 AMG Coupe.

Source : oto.detik.com

China 'to withdraw' foreign car investment support

Is this a Chance for Thailand??

China has said it will withdraw support for foreign investment in the country's car industry to encourage domestic carmakers, according to state media.

The Xinhua news agency cited a joint announcement from the Ministry of Commerce and the National Reform and Development Commission.

The report did not provide details of what support was being withdrawn.

Some of the world's largest carmakers, including America's General Motors and Germany's Volkswagen, operate in China.

Ford to Unveil SUV in India

Ford Motor Co. will unveil a new, compact sport-utility vehicle in New Delhi, India, this week that is designed to help the auto maker carve bigger inroads in one of the fastest growing auto markets in the world.

The small utility vehicle, called the EcoSport, will be built on the same underpinnings as the auto maker's subcompact Ford Fiesta and likely will be sold first in Asia and South America. Pricing and availability of the vehicle have not been disclosed.

Perodua confident of retaining position in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) managing director Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh expects total industry volume in the automotive sector to grow between 2.5% and 3% this year.

“This belief is supported by two main factors. The first is the Government's efforts to spur economic growth and the second is the launch of new models by various players.

“We believe that the automotive sector would benefit from these investments as historically the total industry volume sales trend has always tracked the country's economic performance,” he told StarBiz.

Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Datuk Aishah Ahmad had predicted that vehicle sales for 2011 would reach 605,000 units.

Top seller: The 1.5-litre Myvi SE beside Aminar Rashid