Mitsubishi plans to invest Baht 1bn (US$32.7m) to boost production in Thailand, reports local publication The Nation, citing comments from company President Nobuyuki Murahashi. The OEM is bringing forward its target of annual production of 500,000 units from 2015 to 2013. This year, it hopes to reach annual production of 400,000 units.
“When our new production capacity starts to operate next year, Thailand will be Mitsubishi’s largest production base for cars in the world, replacing Japan,” he is quoted as stating.
Thailand has proven a strong growth market for many OEMs, including Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi recently lifted its full-year sales forecast for the Thai market from 120,000 vehicles to 126,000, following a positive reception of its Mirage eco-car.
Murahashi went on to note that with the sales slowdown continuing across Europe, Mitsubishi is now directing its export focus from Europe to Asia, and Thailand is a key export base. Mitsubishi’s Laem Chabang facility in Chon Buri province is the company’s largest production facility outside of Japan. It’s third plant launched production of the new Mirage in March this year. Laem Chabang also builds several SUV and pick-up models, including the Nissan Navara for Nissan, and is the primarily supplier of the Triton/L200 and the Challenger Sport.
