Suzuki Motor will halt production of cars and trucks in Thailand by the end of next year to focus resources on producing electric and hybrid vehicles elsewhere, the company says.
The Japanese automaker plans to continue its sales and after-sales services in Thailand by importing vehicles, including EVs and hybrids, from plants elsewhere in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Japan, and India.
The announcement comes at a time when Japanese automakers are facing intense competition from Chinese rivals in Thailand as well as pressure to produce more electric and hybrid vehicles. Suzuki aims to have a lineup of six EV models by 2030-2031. It plans to launch its first EV in India by next year, which it intends to export to Japan as well as Europe.
Factory shutdowns in Thailand are expected to gradually increase after 1,600 to 1,700 already shuttered earlier this year due to the economic slowdown, merger plans, or rising operating costs, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
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