AFG Meeting - 23 September - Presentation Materials

The presentations for last Friday's AFG Meeting GREEN MANUFACTURING - PROFITABLE MANUFACTURING are ready for download:

01 ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Presentation
02 EMAG JOINING TECHNOLOGY
Presentation
Video
03 EMAG LASER WELDING TECHNOLOGY 
Presentation
Video (Laser Welding System for Differential Carrier / Ring Gear)
04 EMAG ECM
Presentation

Thanks for your interest!

Uli Kaiser

Thai Automotive Sales Statistics August 2012

August was no record month for the Thai Auto Industry - but we are well on track to reach and break the 2.2 Mio mark in 2012.

MMC, PTT to jointly test electric vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh), MMC's subsidiary in Thailand, signed an agreement with PTT Public (PTT), a Thailand-based energy company, to jointly test the i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle (EV).

Fall is upon us and winter will be here soon.  This is a great time to make sure your vehicle's maintenance is up to date.  Kwik Kar's professional staff can definitely help.  With over a dozen professionally trained mechanics and technicians you can be assured that we can provide the highest quality service.  From fast oil changes to complete engine repair, Kwik Kar does it all.  No appointment is ever needed either!

We servcie all makes and models of vechicles.

 

 

From individual vehicles to large fleet services

  Special corporate pricing for employees available as well.



Let Kwik Kar help you "Fall" into place.

With the approach of the fall season it is a perfect time to get your vehicle headed in the right direction for the upcoming winter elements. Don't wait until the snow and ice to find out your car needed some maintenance. And don't put off those repairs until your stuck out in it. The following is just a guideline to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

* Change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or according to your manufacturers specifications.

* Replace any dirty air filters or fuel filters.

* Have the vehicle's anifreeze inspected to determine if it needs to be replaced.

* Have all the belts and hoses checked for any wear and tear.

* Make sure tires have proper tread available and correct inflation.

* have the battery tested for proper amperage and any possible corrosion on the terminals and cables.

* Check for exhaust leaks. Many time we lut our vehicles warm up for extended periods of time in the cooler weather. An exhaust leak could prove to be dangerous.

* And keep some bottled water and snacks in the vehicle just in case your vehicle leaves you stranded for a while.

Any of these items can be performed by and completed by the professional staff at Kwik Kar. We provide free maintenance checks on and give exact estimates on our repairs. We look forward to taking care of any of your vehicles needs.

Proton and Mitsubishi Motors to Pursue Broad Ranging Strategic Collaboration

PROTON Holdings Berhad (PROTON) and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that they are in serious discussion for strategic collaboration to further strengthen the competitiveness of both PROTON and MMC in the global marketplace.

The collaborative items being considered between the two parties are set to cover areas and activities such as:

1. Joint production of engines in Malaysia

2. Consignment production of MMC-brand vehicles at PROTON facilities

3. Sharing of major parts and components between MMC's "Global Small", which is to be launched next March starting in Thailand, and PROTON's upcoming "Global Small Car"

4. Provision of MMC's future technologies such as electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicle technology

The two companies had jointly proceeded with feasibility studies since late 2010 and have identified these areas of collaboration that could be expected to provide both parties with the right synergy in the pursuit of global competitiveness.

First-Time Car Buyers Tax Deduction not very Street wise

Thai Government believes that its first-car buyer program will contribute to the growth of the automotive industry, which has become a driving force for the Thai economy.

The Cabinet, during its meeting on September 13, approved guidelines to refund taxes for first-time car buyers. At the same meeting, it approved a central fund of 100 million baht from the 2012 national budget to carry out the program and another fund of 30 billion baht from the 2013 national budget for tax refunds.According to the scheme, car buyers eligible for tax refunds must be at least 21 years old.

Toyota to Boost Indonesian Output

JAKARTA—Toyota Motor Corp. said it would crank up production in Indonesia by more than 60% in a move to maintain its dominant position in Southeast Asia's largest economy.

Japan's largest auto maker said Tuesday that it will invest around $340 million to build a new factory which will lift its capacity to 180,000 vehicles a year in Indonesia by the middle of 2013, from about 110,000 vehicles

Thai Automakers slam plan

The government's first-car buyer scheme has drawn strong criticism from industry executives, who say not all automakers will enjoy the same benefits and the government might end up having to raise taxes in the long run to offset the revenue shortfall.

The Pheu Thai government's plan to allow tax deductions for first-car purchases will result in an uneven playing field for all manufacturers, said Piengjai Keawsuwan, president of the Thai Automotive Industry Association.

AAM expands its manufacturing presence in Asia with new facility in Thailand

Rayong, Thailand, September 9, 2011 - American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., (AAM) which is traded as AXL on the NYSE, today announced the grand opening of its Rayong Manufacturing Facility, located in the Hemaraj Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in the Rayong Province of Thailand.

Joseph S. Tang, the plant manager of Rayong Manufacturing Facility, will oversee the facility's manufacture of highly engineered and proven driveline products for the region. Products manufactured at the facility include front axles, rear axles; and driveshafts.

BorgWarner Launches New Silent Chain for Hyundai and KIA GDI Engines

BorgWarner recently launched its new silent chain for the balance shaft drive on Hyundai's Theta II four-cylinder gas direct-injection (GDI) and turbo-GDI engines. These engines power the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Sorento, K5 and Sportage for the U.S. and South Korea. Designed to withstand the harsh environment and stresses of GDI engines, the new silent chain delivers lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and greater durability compared with roller chain systems for balance drive applications.

Vietnam Auto sales jump 10% in August

New vehicle sales in Vietnam jumped by 9.8% to 9,518 units in August, from 8,671 units a year earlier, according to data released by the Vietnam Automotive Manufacturers Association.

Indonesia’s Stock Market Value to Lure Investors, Panin Says

Indonesian stocks have become more attractive to overseas investors after the world’s fourth-most populous nation overtook Malaysia as Southeast Asia’s second- largest equities market by value, PT Panin Sekuritas said.

Deutsche Bank believes that Valuation of the US Auto & Auto Parts Sectors Have Reached a Compelling Levels

Analysts at Deutsche Bank states that following up on several auto and auto parts companies in the US, it does not appear that any suppliers have noticed material changes to production forecasts in North America or Europe, but all management teams appear to be contemplating downside scenarios and contingency plans; particularly for Europe. They pick Lear Corp. (NYSE: LEA) as their Top Pick among auto parts suppliers. They maintain a Buy rating on the shares of Lear with a price target of $64.

Japan seeks luxury-car tariff cut

Lexus SUV

Japan has asked Thailand to speed up reducing tariffs on luxury cars under an agreement that has been stalled for four years.

The Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) that took effect in 2007 calls for cutting the import tax on cars with engines above 3,000 cc by 5% annually until 2010.

The current rate stands at 80%.

GKN to acquire Getrag’s Driveline Products Business

In case you haven't heard:

GKN plc announced in July 2011 its agreement to acquire the all-wheel-drive (AWD) components businesses of Getrag KG, the privately held German company controlled by the Hagenmeyer family. The businesses being acquired, together referred to as “Getrag Driveline Products”, are Getrag Corporation, a joint venture with Dana Corporation based in the United States, and Getrag All Wheel Drive AB, a joint venture with Dana Holding Corporation and Volvo Car Corporation based in Sweden.

Click here to read more.

ASE: What's in It for Car Owners

Finding a competent auto technician need not be a matter of chance. Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to the national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With more than 330,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition. ASE-certified technicians and parts specialists can be found at every type of repair facility, from dealerships, service stations, and franchises to parts stores, independent garages, and even municipal fleets.

Updated statistics for Vehicle & Parts Exports

… by The Thai Automotive Industry Association

Bangkok Post: Thailand World Expo in 2020

The cabinet on Tuesday approved in principle for Thailand to propose for hosting Thailand World Expo in 2020, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) director Akrapol Sorasuchart said.

Bangkok Post: Thailand: It's only in your mind

Great article from Khun Voranai our next speaker:

The government would like to rebrand Thailand, in accordance with the slogan "Thailand in your mind". Citizens are invited to vote on four choices: Thailand as a country of open-minded people with a positive attitude, or as a country with local wisdom that is still open to the world, or as the place where business, culture and nature converge into one destination, or as a hub for investment and exemplary service.

Asia Precision goes public

Asia Precision (APCS), a maker of metal parts, will launch an initial public offering of 87.25 million shares between late September and early October, likely the same period for its listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Click here to read the full story.

Sales July 2012

The amazing, record breaking story of Thai Automotive Sales continues. Thailand's automotive industry sells cars like hotcakes … enjoy!