Thailand's second-round promotion for eco-car production

BANGKOK, August 5 (TNA) - The Thai Ministry of Industry has concluded its criteria for the second-phase eco-car manufacturing promotion, which should be announced within this year. Deputy Permanent Secretary for Industry Atchaka Sibunruang, who heads a working group designing the promotion, confirmed on Monday that conditions and criteria for privileges under Thailand's second-phase eco-car investment promotion have been completed and proposed to Industry Minister Prasert Boonchaisuk for further consideration. Atchaka told reporters that she expects the conditions and criteria should be officially announced within this year. According to the senior official, the second-phase plan focuses on improving standards and environmental friendliness, including the Euro 5 European emission standard, the fuel economy standard, which is better than the rate of five liters of consumed fuel per 100 kilometers of traveled distance, and a lower excise tax compared with that imposed in the first phase. The senior official acknowledged that the Thai Industry Ministry will also support the manufacturing of diesel-fueled eco-cars and require investors in its second-phase promotional campaign to produce 100,000 vehicles within five years, after their manufacturing starts. (TNA)