Bangkok--12 Jul--Mazda Sales (Thailand)
Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd. in cooperation with Mazda Motor Corporation Co. Ltd. is preparing to write a new chapter in automotive history by staging a 4,000-kilometer all-SKYACTIV caravan routing through four ASEAN countries.
The "Mazda SKYACTIV ASEAN Caravan" emphasizes Mazda's outstanding brand image in this region and will serve as a crucial test for Mazda's SKYACTIV technology. Participants come from 5 different ASEAN nations, taking turns to complete the 4,000-kilometer journey around 4 countries. The event draws the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to the opening ceremony, along with distinguished guests from both the government and private sectors, to be held at the King Rama V Statue in Bangkok.
Mr. Hidesuke Takesue, President of Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd., said that the introduction of new Mazda models featuring SKYACTIV technology and KODO design in every ASEAN market was met with excellent market response, and Mazda plans to grow further in this region. "We have set a sales target of 150,000 units per year in 2020 for the ASEAN market, which is a very important market for Mazda's business. ASEAN consists of countries with high potential and are closely watched in the global stage. With a population of more than 600 million and an economy that has been growing steadily over the years, there is no question why Mazda has decided to invest heavily to build auto assembly plants as well as engine and transmission factories in Thailand, plus assembly plants in Malaysia and Vietnam. Not to mention investments to support sales of Mazda vehicles in Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Brunei," he said.
"The staging of the historic 'Mazda SKYACTIV ASEAN Caravan' is also targeted at bringing together the cultures of the AEC (ASEAN Economic Community) and strengthening the friendship among member nations, apart from promoting tourism and boosting the economy," Mr. Hidesuke added.
The caravan, consisting of various Mazda SKYACTIV models like the Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-3 and CX-5, takes place from June 27 to July 5. The opening ceremony will be held at the King Rama V Statue in Bangkok and the caravan will travel to Nakhon Panom-Khammuan (Laos)-Vinh (Vietnam)-Hanoi-Hoi An-Natrang-Ho Chi Minh City-Cambodia-Trat (Thailand). The total distance of the 9-day journey is 4,000 kilometers. There are 140 participants from 5 countries – Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore – and they will have an opportunity to visit historic sites in each country the caravan passes through.
This is the first ASEAN caravan that will be taken part by members from various AEC countries, and Mazda is proud to be a part in opening the door to the ASEAN region. Mazda wishes to lead the way into the AEC and learn the different cultures of each member country, spreading them to members taking part in this historic caravan.