Asia Vehicle Corp set to expand in Asean with FAW vehicles

Managing director Chaiwat Tangsurakij said the company will be the centre for FAW vehicles in the region. 

“We started off in Indonesia last year and were able to sell 1,000 trucks, a figure well above our expectations. Our next target is to enter Laos and Malaysia,” he said. 

According to Chaiwat, FAW is placing high priority on the Asean market, and has sent its R&D team to study customer requirements in each country to develop products that are appealing to customers in each market. 

“Last year they sent their R&D team to Thailand thrice in order to make sure that their products conformed to the transport market requirements here,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the company has signed a contract with M1 Auto Network, which is responsible for managing engine oil service centres in 19 Esso fuel stations around the country, to service FAW trucks. Services include scheduled maintenance and engine oil change at Mobil 1 centres. 

Chaiwat expects strong growth in Thailand’s logistics sector once the Asean Economic Community is established. The company has six dealerships offering sales and after-sales services in Samut Prakarn, Saraburi, Chon Buri (2), Lamlukka and Phang-Nga. 

The company aims to participate in the upcoming Bus and Truck 2013 show, Thailand’s largest commercial vehicle exhibition, which will be held from November 7 to 9 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre. 

“This will be the second year that we are taking part and it will allow us to meet our targeted customers as well as help boost sales,” he said, adding that the company’s allies such as vehicle body construction firms will also be introduced to customers at the show. “After customers place orders for truck heads or 10-wheeler trucks, our partners will start work and the vehicles will be ready in two months, which is much faster considering that the normal duration used to be six months. Financing will also be offered,” he revealed.