Mitsubishi Motors is to go ahead with an 8-billion-baht eco-car production venture in Thailand, with the first models to be rolled out by late 2011, according to the Board of Investment.
Atchaka Sribunruang, the secretary-general of the BoI, met recently to discuss the progress of the Japanese automaker's venture with Nobuyuki Murahashi, the president of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand, and Gayu Uesugi, managing director of product strategies and development for Mitsubishi Motors Corp.
The model to be produced in Thailand would use a new platform developed by Mitsubishi Motors in Japan, with a 1.3-litre petrol engine, according to the Bangkok Post’s online report.
The company will meet the BoI's condition to produce at least 100,000 units per year of the small, fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly cars.
The Mitsubishi plant at Laem Chabang in Chon Buri will be retooled to prepare for eco-car production.
Mitsubishi Motors was among six automakers receiving BoI approval to produce eco-cars in Thailand. Nissan is the first to actually make its eco-car, called the March.
The global economic slump and its heavy impact on local vehicle production last year had forced Mitsubishi to put off the start of its eco-car production.