Published on 12/01/2012
SUZUKI fires up eco-car Suzuki, Japan's fourth-largest automaker known for its strength in the compact-car segment, is gearing up its eco-car marketing campaign and sales, targeting sales of 10,000 units in Thailand's highly competitive small-car segment this year. Becoming the third or fourth eco-car carmaker after Nissan and Honda, Suzuki has not yet decided on the trade name of its eco-car built in Thailand. Mitsubishi also plans to launch its eco-car in the Thai market in March before the Bangkok International Motor Show begins on March 25. "We are shortlisting more than 20 trade names so far and hope to reach a conclusion before holding a meeting with Suzuki dealers nationwide next month to outline the eco-car marketing strategies and plans," said Suzuki Motors Thailand's assistant general manager Vallop Treererkngarm . He insisted that Suzuki eco-car to be sold in the Thai market is totally brand-new in terms of design as required by the Board of Investment which promotes the eco-car project. Suzuki will begin assembling the eco-car at its 7.5-billion-baht baht plant in Rayong in March with output starting from 10,000 units this year to 100,000 units in 2016 as specified by BoI for eco-car promotion project. Thailand has offered tax incentives to attract global carmakers to invest in eco-car production with some specifications such as fuel economy of at least 20 km per litre. Mr Vallop did not confirm the engine size or the fuel to power the Suzuki eco-car but an automotive source said Suzuki was likely to produce 1.3-litre engines for both diesel and petrol. The BoI calls for the carmakers to build eco-cars with engine sizes smaller than 1,300 cc for petrol and 1,400 cc for diesel. "We have not yet set the sales targets for the
following years. They all will depend on the feedback from Suzuki customers," said Mr Vallop. But some of the sales target set for this year will be slated for exports mostly to Asean, he added. Suzuki posted a 160% growth rate last year after expanding by 223% in 2010, making it one of the fastest-growing Japanese car brands in Thailand. Suzuki's lineup in the Thai market includes the Swift compact car, SX4 crossover, Grand Vitara sport utility vehicle, APV multi-purpose vehicle and Carry truck.