Mazda will top up its investment in Thailand by another $150 million to start producing compact electric SUVs, the Thai Board of Investment (BOI) announced.
“Mazda Motor Corporation is investing Bt5 billion (US$150M) to make Thailand a manufacturing hub for its electrified compact SUVs. The investment will enhance production lines, support hybrid and EV technology, with a production capacity of 100,000 units annually, aimed at both domestic and international markets,” the BOI stated in its website today.
The website also showed photos of Mazda Motor Corp president and CEO Masahiro Moro and his contingent meeting with Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Moro is scheduled to meet with the Thai media on Friday (Feb 14) to disclose more details of the plan.
“Mazda’s investment in an electrified compact SUV marks a significant step forward, and the start of a gradual transition to xEV production. With an additional investment of over Bt5 billion, Mazda aims to establish Thailand as the manufacturing hub for its electrified compact SUV products,” Moro was quoted as saying. “The vehicles to be produced will be high performance compact SUVs that meet international standards, both in terms of environmental friendliness and hybrid technology. This large-scale comprehensive production investment is to support domestic sales and exports to Japan and other countries, such as ASEAN countries, targeting a production of 100,000 units per year.”
Since 1995, Mazda has been producing vehicles in Thailand at the Auto Alliance Thailand plant in Rayong, and also has an engine and transmission plant built here in 2015 under the name Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing Thailand (MPMT).
The additional investment announced today will focus on the key areas in both the AAT and MPMT plants, enhancing the vehicle production and assembly line to support future electrified products, and the production of engines, automatic transmissions and powertrains, as well as the key components of electrified vehicles, including batteries. In addition, Mazda will continue to develop its local supplier network to enhance production capabilities and support future technologies which are significantly contributing to the development of Thailand’s automotive industry, and economy.
“The investment marks a significant beginning for Thailand as a manufacturing hub for producing Mazda’s electrified vehicles according to our “Multi-Solution Approach” and a crucial step towards sustainability, in line with Mazda’s mission to bring about a sustainable earth, society, and people,” Moro said.
