News Feed

Mazda has invested an additional Bt7.2 billion into a plant in Thailand to increase the capacity of engine production from 30,000 units per year to 100,000 units.
The Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing (Thailand) Co Ltd facility in Chon Buri (MPMT) was set up to produce the SKYACTIVG 2.0 petrol engines for Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Masamichi Kogai, Mazda Motor Corporation's representative director, president and CEO, said: “MPMT plays an essential role in Mazda's comprehensive vehicle production system in Thailand. S
“Strengthening our production framework for engines, the most fundamental vehicle component of all, we will continue to focus on our high-quality vehicle production, and work to deliver cars that add colour to their owners' lives |while contributing to the development of Thailand’s automotive industry.”
The MPMT plant was established in February 2003 and started production of SKYACTIV engines and transmissions in 2015.
Last year, Mazda sold 51,355 vehicles in Thailand, registering growth of more than 20 per cent compared with the previous year. It plans to sell over 60,000 vehicles in the country this year for a market share of 6 per cent.

PANASONIC SEEKS EDGE IN AIR-CON MARKET

Panasonic, a Japanese electrical home appliance brand, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its worldwide business operation.
 Announcing the business plan for 2018, the market penetration strategy for Thailand will be focused on the newest Sky Series and Aero Series air conditioners, which are equipped with air purifying Nanoe Technology that has been developed to deliver air purifying and deodorising effects while removing dust particles and airborne bacteria. 
Riding on the concept Quality Air for Life, this technology from Panasonic “is intended for clean air and a better quality of life for customers”.
The company said it is confident that Panasonic air conditioning systems will continue to stay top of mind and grab a 20 per cent market share in Thailand, helping it be among the Top Premium Brands in Asia by 2020.
 Hiroyuki Tagishi, managing director of Panasonic Appliances Asia Pacific, said: “As Panasonic is celebrating our centennial anniversary of worldwide business operation, we have a plan to enhance our performance in the premium product segment in Asia.
“Last year we achieved a very satisfactory growth by introducing a series of technology-driven and innovative products with unique design while maintaining Japanese Standard to become a Top Premium Brand in Asia by 2020.”
 According to Panasonic AP Sales (Thailand) managing director Hiroyuki Kitano, Thailand’s overall electrical home appliance market experienced no growth in 2017. 
 “However, sales of Panasonic electrical home appliances surpassed Bt12 billion in value, an increase of 5 per cent from the previous year, as a result of rising sales in our premium categories,” Kitano said.