Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) is planning to market electric minivans to serve logistics and transportation operators in Thailand, believing they will have better growth prospects than other types of electric vehicles (EVs).
The company unveiled the plan -- now under a joint feasibility study with PTT Group and Thailand Post Co -- yesterday, ahead of the 43th Bangkok International Motor Show which will showcase more than 20 EV models as well as new oil-powered cars from March 23 to April 3.
The study is scheduled to be completed within one year, but whether the plan will be translated into action will depend on the Thai EV market and the response of prospective car buyers to more eco-friendly cars, said Eiichi Koito, president and chief executive of Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand).
"We are interested in the Thai EV market which is expected to grow further, following the state's EV promotion policy that grants EV incentive packages to automakers and car buyers to boost demand," he said.
Mitsubishi's minivans, known as Minicab MiEV, are now being sold in Japan and may be introduced to the Thai market to serve the logistics and transportation sectors.
The company sees a business opportunity in these sectors, following the growth of e-commerce that has boosted goods delivery services in Thailand.
Mr Koito was speaking yesterday as he presided over the opening of the company's new paint factory in the Laem Chabang area of Chon Buri.
The facility, valued at 3 billion baht, is designed to have a painting capacity of 55 cars per hour.
Mitsubishi will spend more money to expand the capacity to 72 units per hour if its car sales in Thailand increase.
The firm admitted the Russia-Ukraine war is having an impact on its car assembly factory and showrooms in Russia as well as a car trading firm and showrooms in Ukraine.
"Our factory in Russia is expected to shut down soon if we cannot supply auto parts to the factory, following the sanctions," said Mr Koito. "In Ukraine, everything is now closed."
