According to a recent press release, the new company aims, in the long term, to support the Thai automobile industry, while contributing to the economy under the government’s “Thailand 4.0” policy.

The official announcement was made at the “2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation” held on April 25 in Beijing, which drew more than 40 heads of state, while over 5,000 representatives from 150 countries and 90 organisations were also present.

Gong Yue Qiong, president of Foton Motor Group, and Noppadol Chearavanont, vice president for Industrial Businesses at CP Group, signed the contract to set up a joint-venture company for production, sales and marketing automotive technologies.

“The new joint-venture company will receive support from Foton Motor in terms of commercial sales, automotive energy products and production technology, as well as onboard communications systems technology,” Noppadol said.

“Meanwhile, CP Group will be responsible for establishing customer relations, financing and creating an impressive experience for target customers regarding midsized trucks, heavy trucks, light-duty trucks, buses and modern passenger cars,” he added.

Both companies will contribute to further investment in the production of various Foton models such as the Auman and Aumark, and AUV buses for the Asean market.

The Fortuner lineup now has seven models with two engine choices but no manual transmission. The top 2.8 TRD model is priced at Bt1.769 million. Both the 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre turbo diesel engines are B20 compatible.

The new 2.4G comes with dual beam LED headlights (automatic switching) and LED foglamps, rearview camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, brown leather seat upholstery DVD entertainment system with 8-inch infotainment, and paddle shifters for the sequential shift automatic gearbox.

Safety features include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and three airbags.

The HEV batteries will be further used in the Toyota C-HR, Camry Hybrid and future Toyota models.

In addition, a wide range of highly advanced mechanical technologies have been installed in the production line, like the Collaborative Robot (COBOT) that are integrated into the production environment to efficiently work in conjunction with humans in the production and quality control process.

Furthermore, Toyota Thailand has adopted the knowledge and know-how of HEV battery production from Toyota Japan to ensure that the operation process lives up to the international standard.

Parts used for HEV battery production are sourced from Japan and also from suppliers in Thailand and environmentally friendly practices are employed at the plant, it said. Solar cells keep power in storage made from the modules used to make HEV batteries and the automated “Karakuri” is also applied to minimise the energy use in the production process.

Michinobu Sugata, president of Toyota Thailand, said: “Toyota continues our deep commitment to the development of environmentally friendly automotive technologies for the future. The company’s key missions are to develop automotive technologies that efficiently minimise the emission of carbon dioxide, as well as to increase the proportion of environmentally friendly vehicles.”

Event organiser Pattanadesh Asasappakij said 11 automobile and motorcycle companies, along with 18 used car dealers will be present at the four-day event, which is expected to attract 250,000 visitors.

Approximately 2,000 orders are expected for new cars while 1,000 used cars would also be sold, Pattanadesh said.

The veteran auto critic and show organiser said political stability in Thailand would help boost the event.

“It will raise consumer spending to boost the Thai economy and in turn help push growth of the Thai automobile industry,” he said

“Meanwhile, automobile companies are continuing their launch of new products and sales campaigns throughout the year,” he said.

“Organisers of the FAST Auto Show Thailand 2019 want the venue to be a place for buyers and sellers of both new cars and used cars. They can all come here. There are many show supporters who will help you achieve your goals and everyone will be satisfied. There will also be sales campaigns by exhibitors as well as financial institutions,” Pattanadesh added.

“Given all the contributing factors, we are confident that the show will benefit the Thai automobile industry, particularly from the mid-year onwards, and contribute to the growth of the Thai economy,” he said.

Customers who place orders at the show are eligible for a grand raffle offering an Isuzu pick-up truck worth over Bt500,000 as the top prize.

German powerhouse Mercedes-Benz is massively expanding its Mercedes-AMG product lineup in Thailand with the launch of a bunch of new models.

Earlier this week the company staged the official introduction of the Mercedes-AMG GT 53/63 4MATIC+ 4-door coupe, G 63 SUV, E 53 4MATIC+ and C 43 4MATIC.

Since the local introduction of the Mercedes-AMG sub brand in 2017, the company has launched 10 models – GLC 43 4MATIC, GLA 45 4MATIC, GT R, GT C, C 43 4MATIC (CKD), GLC 43 4MATIC (CKD), E 63 S 4MATIC+, C 43 4MATIC facelift (CKD), CLS 53 4MATIC+ and GT S.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the sales of AMG models in Thailand has grown by over 300 per cent thanks to the expanding range of models being offered, along with attractive promotions. During the first quarter of this year alone, AMG sales increased by 79 per cent.

“The launch of five new sports luxury car lines today will not only create a new sensation for Mercedes-Benz Thailand, but it will also fully fill out the portfolio of Mercedes-AMG cars in Thailand,” Frank Steinacher, vice president for sales and marketing, Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Ltd, said.

“At the moment, we have 18 models in our product offerings with full coverage of the 43, 45, 53, 63, 63 S and the Mercedes-AMG GT families. Moreover, the company is also preparing a surprise for every customer this year with a plan to introduce five more new models of Mercedes-AMG cars, both imported and locally produced.”

He said Mercedes-AMG buyers will enjoy more privileges, such as the AMG Private Lounge in Thailand and overseas, as well as the AMG Driving Academy, which is being set up for the first time in Southeast Asia.

Mercedes-AMG GT 53/63 4MATIC+ 4-Door Coupe

This is the first 4-door sports coupe (many might say it’s a saloon) to be developed in-house by Mercedes-AMG. Mercedes says that the GT combines daily driving comfort with a large number of options for individualisation and the very latest in sports car engineering.

The GT 53 is powered by a turbocharged 435-hp in-line 6-cylinder 48V mild hybrid engine, while the GT 63 comes with a bi-turbo V8 engine with as much as 639hp and 900Nm of torque. They both come with the AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission, promising super-short shift times. Acceleration is also quick, with the GT 53 clocking 4.5 secs and the GT 63 clocking 3.2 secs for the 0-100km/h dash.

Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display, along with a Burmester sound system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a new touchpad.

Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4MATIC+

Engine: in-line-6 turbo

Displacement: 2,999cc

Max power: 435hp/6,100rpm

Max torque: 520Nm/1,800-5,800rpm

0-100km/h: 4.5 secs

Top speed: 285km/h

Price: Bt9.99 million

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+

Engine: V8 bi-turbo

Displacement: 3,982cc

Max power: 639hp/5,500-6,500rpm

Max torque: 900Nm/2,500-4,500rpm

0-100km/h: 3.2 secs

Top speed: 315km/h

Price: Bt14.99 million

Mercedes-AMG G 63

Perfect for any action movie, the G 63 is the ultimate off-roading machine from Mercedes-AMG – and stands out with its large and boxy design.

The body has been strengthened with various grades of steel, while laser-welding on the roof also contributes to higher body strength and better surface quality.

The IWC-design dashboard features a cockpit of two 12.3-inch widescreens blended into a single unit. There’s also a Burmester sound system and an ambient light system with 64-selectale colours.

The 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine is capable of pumping out 585hp and 850Nm, and catapulting the G 63 from rest to 100km/h in under 5 seconds, particularly helpful when being pursued by T-Rex’s or rival mobsters. There is a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system (40:60) and AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping with three settings.

Unfortunately, fuel consumption and the emissions level are not its strongest points at 7.6km/litre and 299g/km.

Mercedes-AMG G63

Engine: V8 bi-turbo

Displacement: 3,982cc

Max power: 585hp/6,000rpm

Max torque: 850Nm/2,500-3,500rpm

0-100km/h: 4.5 secs

Top speed: 220km/h

Price: Bt14.79 million

Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC CKD

This is one of the best-selling AMG models in the Kingdom, thanks to its highly competitive pricing enabled by local assembly.

Compared to the standard C-Class, the C 43 gets sporty upgrades such as new AMG radiator grille, aerodynamic kit and 19-inch 5-spoke wheels that helps improve airflow. The exterior trim is in glossy black and there are multi-beam LED headlights with Ultra Range Highbeam that shoots up 650 metres ahead.

A special AMG menu features information, such as warm-up (engine and oil temp.), setup (drive systems and exhaust), G-Force, Race Timer and Engine Data.

Apart from the normal driving modes, a new “Slippery” mode has also been introduced for wet road driving.

The interior features the AMG Matt Silver Glass-Fibre trim as well as AMG sports seats with climate control, new touch control buttons, new seatbelt feeder for front seats, Burmester sound system and 10.25-inch display.

Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC CKD

Engine: V6 bi-turbo

Displacement: 2,996cc

Max power: 390hp/6,100rpm

Max torque: 520Nm/2,500-5,000rpm

0-100km/h: 4.6 secs

Top speed: 250km/h

Price: Bt4.31 million

Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ CKD

More affordable than the top E 63 4MATIC+ model launched last year, the E 53 4MATIC+ comes with a much more affordable Bt5.26-million price tag.

You still get 0-100km/h acceleration under 5 seconds from the 3.0-litre powerplant – power comes from a new engine with EQ Boost starter-alternator system featuring 48-volt mild hybrid functions.

The exterior gets AMG treatment, including 20-inch wheels in high-gloss black, AMG twin sports exhaust and a front bonnet with expressive powerdomes. The window frames are also in black, contributing to the aggressive look.

New systems offered in the E 53 4MATIC include Vehicle Setup, the Vehicle Monitoring system, Engine Remote Start, Mercedes-Benz emergency call system, as well as the Communications module (LTE) for the use of Mercedes Me connect services.

Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ CKD

Engine: 6 in-line bi-turbo

Displacement: 2,999cc

Max power: 435hp/6,100rpm

Max torque: 520Nm/1,800-5,800rpm

0-100km/h: 4.5 secs

Top speed: 250km/h

Price: Bt5.26 million

The Bt5-billion, 100,000-square-metre plant, is geared towards achieving a maximum capacity of 100,000 units per year, and is located at the Ladkrabang Industrial Estate near Suvarnabhumi International Airport. It is the third Subaru plant in the world with the first two located in Japan and the United States.

Glenn Tan, managing director of Tan Chong International Ltd (TCIL), the regional Subaru distributor, said the new plant will in its first year assemble 6,000 Forester SUVs from knock-down kit (CKD) parts and market them to Thailand and the region.

Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) Ltd (TCSAT), a joint venture between TCIL and TCMA TH (Tan Chong Motor Image Thailand Co Ltd), owns a 74.9-per cent share in the facility, while the remaining 25.1 per cent belongs to Subaru Corporation (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries Corp).

The new facility is capable of assembling four different models, with the Forester being the first model to be rolled out. So far, 100 Foresters from this plant have been delivered to Thai customers.

“This is truly a milestone for us, to be able to build Subaru cars ourselves in Thailand. From distribution, dealerships and aftersales, we are now also manufacturing Subaru cars,” Tan said.

“This strategic long-term move will allow us to better manage our supply chain, widen our product line-up, localise better and be less dependent on supply from Japan,” he added. “We will be better able to respond and meet consumer demand for Subaru vehicles in the region, and perhaps even beyond the region in the future.”