Published on 11/07/2013
Suzuki steps up capacity of Thai plant Thai Suzuki Motor, the Japanese motorcycle distributor, is ramping up production at its Pathum Thani plant to cope with growing demand triggered by regional economic integration. The company is committed is committed to spending 500 million baht this year to increase annual production at its plant in Thanyaburi district by 50,000 units to 400,000. "Despite the fact we have yet to utilise the plant's full capacity, we will still continue investment this year," said Satoshi Uchida, newly appointed chairman and chief executive. "The new investment is for future growth.� He said production this year is estimated to reach 290,000 units, with 120,000 for export, 100,000 for domestic sales and 70,000 in the form of marine engines exported mainly to Japan. Thai Suzuki also plans to produce medium-sized motorcycles of 250-750cc for the first time this year. The first phase aims to turn out 10,000 units. "Thai Suzuki has found that demand for motorcycles above 250cc has increased significantly in Thailand, with the figure expected to reach 20,000 units this year from 12,000," said Mr Uchida. He said the company plans to renovate 60-100 sales outlets to support distribution of the new model. Thai Suzuki has two Hayabusa big-bike models available in the Thai market, imported from Japan. The company expects domestic sales to surge to 100,000 units this year, up 16.27% from 86,000 last year. Thai Suzuki aims to increase its market share from 3% to 5% of Thailand's motorcycle market, which is estimated to reach 2 million units this year.