Given the news popping up this week, both firmed up and speculated, it sounds like every carmaker dabbling in electrification is wanting in on Thailand.
The next name to come into the picture is Kia, although it is pretty much a resurfacing of the intent first indicated last year, when it was reported that the company was looking to build its first ASEAN production plant in Thailand. In the latest development, Reuters reports that the South Korean carmaker is interested in setting up a plant to build electric vehicles in the Kingdom.
The company is said to be in engaging in talks with the Thai government about the matter, two government sources told the news agency earlier this week. Discussions are ongoing and are focused on incentives sought by the carmaker from the Thai government, the sources said.
“They have a serious proposal that they’ve come with. The ball is in their court,” one of the sources said. As you’d also expect, the sources declined to be identified, as they were not authorised to speak on the matter, the report added.
Both the automaker and Thailand’s board of investment (BoI) did not immediately respond to questions from the news agency, although the BoI had in January said that Kia was considering an investment in Thailand after media reports said the Korean firm had decided against it.
Whatever the case may be, the country’s ambition to become the leading light for EV production in Southeast Asia is undeniable. The country has rolled out incentives, tax breaks and other measures to position itself as the preferred choice for automakers looking to expand their presence in the region. Thailand has so far drawn over USD1.44 billion (RM6.8 billion) in investment commitments from Chinese EV makers to build production facilities in the country.
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Malaysia macam mana?
Tahniah Madani! They successfully chased away EV battery production to Indonesia and EV car making to Thailand! Now they have closed Lynas at last EV makers have no more reasons to come here anymore.
Well done PMX and those who voted them!
Well that have to ask the special Investment guy who stated that APs are important for EV safety so probably now still figuring our which crony friend want to pass on Kia to and then the one that got away. Well the other side of the minister also the same.
Anwar menang Thailand senang
Refer my name
Well done to our neighbour, Thailand. It seems like our corrupt politicians can learn something from them.
Do you want to know why Thailand got so many investments from EV companies? Because they don’t have PH and formula man.
There is no EV manufacturers willing to invest and open factory in Malaysia due to our useless and corrupt government.
With our corrupt government, we are hopeless. All the promises are lies. Good job Thailand.
Nothing to do with corruption. Malaysia is not ideal place to open factory yet due to poor transport system. Plus we are not connected via BRI like Thailand, Myanmar or Vietnam.Because of our poor logistic infrastructure and connectivity, if we order raw materials or parts from china, it may take few days to a week to arruve. In BRI connected countries, overnight can arrive already or if send early, same day can arrive. That is why simple manufacturing will choose Thailand over Malaysia
Come to Malaysia lah. Mari mari.
Comingx3
Why they are not coming to malaysia mahaldahni? DAP with Anwar are great at managing this country. The korean should know we are the best since we say so. We the supporter of this gov should stand up and say we are the best.
Any business oriented person will want to built plant at place with minimal downtime with population that don’t have the believe one’s position is higher than the others even they are dumb as rock.
Koreans have no problem with that for the past 40 years when they came. Why now?
Good job to Thailand for nabbing EV’s that are currently losing popularity. Soon they will have useless empty factories because people realize EV’s will not replace ICE.