Bangkok--May 17--Ogilvy Public Relations
Ford is studying plans for a small car program to qualify under the EcoCar project proposed by the Thai government.
The vehicle will be designed and built based on Ford Motor Company's Global Shared Technologies methodology.
Potential forinvestment in a new small car manufacturing facility in Thailand.
Ford Thailand today announced it will explore the development of a small car program to qualify under the EcoCar project outlined by the Thai government.
According to John Felice, president of Ford Thailand "Ford plans to develop a small car that will help Thailand fulfill its EcoCar vision. We believe the Thai government's proposal to champion the EcoCar will further boost Thailand's goal to become Detroit of Asia.
"By championing a new product category such as the EcoCar through the provision of attractive incentives and tax benefits, Thailand is keen to attract automakers to invest in new facilities and make Thailand the regional production and export hub for small cars. This strategy to proactively promote a specific product segment has paid generous dividends when Thailand first embarked on a national automotive policy to promote one-tonne pickups in Thailand."
Today, Thailand's vision to become Detroit of Asia is fast becoming a reality. "Thailand is now recognized as the global center of excellence for one-tonne pickups — this is evidenced by the success of our Ford-Mazda joint venture facility, AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT), in Rayong, that exports the Ford Ranger and Mazda Fighter pick-up trucks, as well as the Ford Everest sport utility to more than 130 countries worldwide," said Felice.
In the first quarter of 2005, AAT achieved top ranking as the Number 1 Vehicle Exporter for completely built-up (CBU) vehicles. Data released by The Federation of Thai Industries stated the total number of CBU exports from January to March for AAT reached 19,388 units representing a 22.29% share of Thailand's total CBU exports valued at 8.05 billion Baht. In addition, AAT's completely knocked-down (CKD) exports reached 10,060 units or equivalent to value of 2.21 billion Baht. This brings AAT total export value in the first quarter to 10.26 billion Baht.
With a ready pool of skilled automotive workers, strong parts and components supply base combined with a well-developed energy and transportation infrastructure, Thailand possesses the fundamental building blocks to become a key automotive production hub in Asia.
Presently, the criteria for the EcoCar published by the Thai Automotive Institute (TAI) details certain specifications required including vehicle dimensions, fuel consumption, engine size and powertrain options. "While we understand that the government needs to set some EcoCar guidelines for automakers, Ford believes that the government must also listen to the inputs from all automakers. This is important since the cost of developing a new small car program is a significant investment. To achieve economies of scale and make Thailand the export hub for this small car, the vehicle must be built to meet other international standards in order to attain a more global market appeal," said Felice.
Ford will explore possible vehicle development options based on Ford Motor Company's Global Shared Technologies (GST) methodology. In principle, Global Shared Technologies uses a common set of technologies for multiple derivates that can be tailored to individual markets. This proven product development method also allows for unique interiors, exterior and powertrains for different FMC brands. It is a sophisticated new approach to increase engineering, purchasing and manufacturing efficiencies, while allowing for a greater range of products — for an individual brand and across the FMC family of brands.
"As we develop our next generation small car, we will conduct feasibility studies to determine the best location to invest in the manufacturing assembly. We are currently studying alternatives, but we can well confirm that Thailand is one of the locations under strong consideration," Felice said.
Contact:
Pauline Kee
+66(0)2-686-4319
E-mail [email protected] End.