Nissan plans to manufacture electric vehicles in Thailand

BANGKOK, October 23 (TNA) - Nissan, Japanese automobile giant, has expressed its interest in producing electric vehicle (EV) in Thailand, according to Thai Industry Minister Chakramon Phasukavanich. Nissan President Hiroyuki Yoshimoto met Chakramon Phasukavanich this week and discussed the possibility. According to the Thai Industry Minister, Yoshimoto said Nissan was the biggest EV maker of Japan. He said the Nissan president acknowledged Thailand incentives for automotive production investment but said Nissan will wait until EV batteries are more efficient and affordable before considering EV production here. Chakramon said Yoshimoto predicts the investment can happen in another decade. EVs are sold for about 1 million baht in Japan and its battery accounts for half the price. Chakramon said Nissan considers Thailand as its important automotive base. Thailand is its first overseas production base and its production here has continued for 60 years. With confidence, Nissan is expanding its eco-car production in Thailand. Chakramon said automotive sales in Thailand should rise next year as the Thai economy is likely to grow by 3.5-4 per cent due to the expected global economic recovery as well as drought that will raise the prices of Thai farm products. (TNA)