The Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) is seeking a new product champion for the country in the alternative energy sector, says newly appointed president Patima Jeerapaet.
The project will focus on the benefits of electric and alternative energy vehicles, following Thailand’s previous product champions that included pickup trucks and eco-cars. The details of production and extent of cost savings will be studied.
The move is part of the industry master plan for 2012-16, which should have been finished in February but was delayed by last year’s floods.
The master plan, which will be given highest priority as of now, will focus on carbon emissions and take centre stage at the CEO forum to be held in July.
Dr Patima, who replaced Vallop Tiasiri, said Thailand will be a top-eight producer within two or three years, up from its current rank of 15th, on the assumption that production in European countries will level out or drop.
Thailand is the top producer of cars in Asean and ranks fifth in Asia.
“Today, if we take into account demand from Myanmar, I think there is a high possibility that Thailand will achieve production of 3 million units in less time than the previous estimate of three years,” Dr Patima said.
In order to help Thailand become a hub, the TAI is buying tools in cooperation with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute to get manufacturers in line with Euro 4 emissions standards.
Dr Patima said the TAI may soon extend its role to cover water and air vehicles.
“In the past, [the TAI] has taken care of automotive and motorcycles, but overseas institutes cover a wider variety such as tricycles,” he said. “Even in the Thai dictionary, the word automotive includes water and air vehicles, so what we will be looking at will include ships, boats, airplanes and high-speed trains.”
In the initial stage, the TAI will help find new markets for second- and third-tier makers of parts (such as seat belts and leather seats) in the marine and aviation industries.
“Meanwhile, we might not have to import trains if we can make train cars ourselves, in cooperation with the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand,” said Dr Patima, adding that the TAI will also be involved in public transport safety.
Another measure of focus is improving human resources in the car industry, as Thailand currently has a shortage of 100,000 workers.
