GM set to restructure operations, backs out of eco-car scheme

This strategic transformation plan – which will cover its office in Bangkok and manufacturing facilities in Rayong – is part of a series of restructuring action the firm is taking across the region.
In keeping with its focus on trucks and sport-utility vehicles, GM Thailand has also informed the Board of Investment that it will withdraw its participation in Phase 2 of the country’s eco-car programme.
“Around the globe, GM is focused on becoming a more customer-focused and operationally efficient company,” said Tim Zimmerman, president of GM Southeast Asia Operations.
“We must accelerate the transformation of our operations in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, given the sluggish domestic market demand, by implementing changes to increase customer satisfaction and our competitiveness, speed up all processes, and put us in a better position to achieve future growth.”
To compete more efficiently and to strengthen the Chevrolet brand in Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia, GM will adapt its portfolio in response to prevailing market trends and customer demand for the Colorado pickup, Trailblazer and Captiva SUVs, and its Cruze passenger car. The Chevrolet Sonic passenger car and Spin multi-purpose vehicle (minivan) will be phased out of the portfolio at the end of their current model lifecycle.
The firm will restructure its organisation in Thailand to gain efficiency in all functional areas and offer more accountability to workers. It will initiate a “voluntary separation programme” that will be open to all employees, both salaried and hourly. It says the programme will provide “competitive” terms and conditions for current employees who wish to participate.