Auto testing centre nears starting line

AUTOMOBILES

The government and the private sector are accelerating plans for the country's long-delayed auto-parts testing centre and proving ground.

The move comes as Thailand emerges as a major carmaking hub, with 2.5 million vehicles to be produced next year and 3 million annually by 2017.

The facilities are essential for certifying parts and vehicles without having to send them abroad for testing.

The project has been delayed for nine years, said Witoon Simachokedee, the industry permanent secretary.

An industry source said the long delay was due to a squabble between the state and the private sector over who should be responsible for such a huge investment.

The project at the moment requires an investment of more than 8 billion baht, up from an earlier figure of 4 billion baht.

"We've not yet concluded the project investment structure, be it in the form of a single-party venture or a co-venture between the government and the private sector," said Mr Witoon.

The industry source said the government should cover most of the investment, adding that the project would be carried out within the car industry's five-year master plan ending in 2016.

Thailand today is the biggest hub for pickup truck manufacturing, with the vehicles exported to 130 countries worldwide.

Fuel-efficient eco-cars are another promising avenue.

Without the testing facilities, Thailand could lose its competitiveness, said the source.

Thailand will celebrate the feat of making its 2-millionth car next Friday, but production volume this year will actually be between 2.3 and 2.4 million units.

Payungsak Chartsutipol, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the Thai automotive industry has grown steadily with continuous support from the government and relevant private groups.

Policy and direction were set by the state and undertaken by the private sector, eventually making Thailand one of the world's top 10 car production bases.

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About the author

Writer: Santan Santivimolnat
Position: Reporter






Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/11/25/auto-testing-centre-nears-starting-line/