Nissan Motor Thailand Co Ltd said the agreement signed at the MEA’s Ploenchit Road office in Bangkok laid out a commitment to ensuring drivers have access to charging stations at home, at work and on the road.

It described the system as “a new way of thinking about transportation that will drive the electrification of Thailand”.

The MEA and Nissan will prepared service tools and manuals for charging systems, conduct technical training, and develop charging equipment and an electric fee-payment system.

The MEA will handle the electrical and related equipment at charging stations “to ensure Nissan’s customers confident and system safety” and train Nissan Thailand staff.

The collaboration is in line with the government’s Energy Efficiency Plan, which envisions 1.2 million plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on Thai roads by 2036.

The MEA has also launched the “MEA EV Application 2.0” for smartphones, which enables searches for the nearest charging station, advance booking for chargers, remote control of the charger and information on charging history and energy-savings rates.

Apart from being able to measure the capabilities of mechanics and service quality of employees, the event also helps Hyundai to develop personnel and raise service quality, executives said.

Winners of the competition will represent Thailand in the Hyundai Global CX (customer experience) Championship in South Korea.

More than 30 pre-owned cars from Aston Martin, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and others worth over Bt500 million, as well as pre-owned Azimuth yachts, will be on sale.

Apart from special pricing, the cars and yachts also come with special promotions, said Dr Sanhavuth Thamchuanviriya, MGC’s managing director.

Speaking at the launch of the |S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, Grewe said Thailand has established itself as a major auto-producing country |and the government has supported eco-friendly vehicles with excise tax reductions.

“Right now Mercedes-Benz is offering PHEVs (Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles) which can either be charged or operates without being charged since it also has an engine,” he said. “But for EVs, charging is mandatory.”

Grewe said EV owners would charge their vehicles at home or at the office, and there needs to be a special infrastructure to serve these vehicles.

During the first 7 months of this year, Mercedes-Benz sold more than 8,600 vehicles in Thailand, an increase of 9 per cent compared to the same period last year. Sales of hybrids and plug-ins from Mercedes grew by 40 per cent during this period, while sales of AMG models surged by 250 per cent, thanks to local assembly and the appointment of special AMG dealers.

Mercedes-Benz is currently building a battery plant in Thailand, which is scheduled for operations in 2019 . The facility will supply batteries to all hybrid vehicles assembled by the German auto maker here. It is the company’s 6th battery production base worldwide. Meanwhile, Nissan says it will officially launch the LEAF EV in Thailand within the current fiscal year, although the car was first shown to public at the end of last year.

Nissan Motor Thailand Co Ltd president Antoine Barthes said last week that before the launch of LEAF, th compay must be sure that all supporting services are in place.

“It may seem like we are postponing the launch of the LEAF, but actually behind the scenes we are working very hard to get the whole EV ownership experience package ready,” he said.

According to Barthes, driving an EV is more than changing a car, but it will result in a new lifestyle, similar to the effect of smartphones.

In closing trade, Tesla shares skidded 8.9 percent to $305.50 following the publication of the interview with The New York Times.

Musk opened up to the newspaper about the personal toll he says he has endured, working marathon hours trying to ensure that deadlines are met, with Tesla ramping up production of its crucial Model 3 sedan.

“There were times when I didn’t leave the factory for three or four days — days when I didn’t go outside,” Musk said.

“This past year has been the most difficult and painful year of my career. It was excruciating.”

Musk also revealed he needed to take prescription medication to sleep during the latest ordeals, and disclosed he had approached Facebook’s chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg about becoming his number two at Tesla.

The brash South African-born entrepreneur also sought to explain his tweet earlier this month about taking Tesla private, which has drawn scrutiny from regulators.

He explained that the August 7 tweet claiming assurance that funding for going private was secured was an attempt to be transparent, even though it provoked questions from analysts about whether it violated stock market regulations.

He and other board members are preparing to meet with Securities and Exchange Commission officials as early as next week, the Times said.

Musk acknowledged that no one read his Twitter post before he sent it, but insisted he did not regret it.

“Why would I?” he said.

‘He is one guy’

Musk, who envisions sending tourists to the Moon with his private firm SpaceX and has unveiled ambitious plans for high-speed trains and other projects, is recognized as one of the most influential innovators in the United States.

But he has appeared to fray under the pressure in recent months.

“Part of the issue from my perspective is focus,” said Roger Kay, an analyst and consultant with Endpoint Technologies Associates.

“He is one guy and he has multiple companies. Any one of those requires the full attention of the CEO.”

Kay said the comments on his personal issues “is not going to get him any sympathy,” but added: “It’s not a question of whether he is likable, what matters is whether he can function.”

The analyst noted that “there isn’t anyone currently who can pick up the slack for him (as a number two). But he needs to get that person in place pretty quick.”

Art Hogan, chief market strategist for B. Riley FBR, said the interview “did not improve the image of the company or the CEO,” while adding to uncertainty about Tesla’s future.

“If we say we simply remove Elon Musk from the situation, I don’t know if that does much good. I don’t know what the bench looks like behind him,” Hogan said.

Tesla’s future

Tesla produced slightly more than 100,000 vehicles last year and the company has been struggling to boost production of its Model 3, which is less expensive than its first models and could help expand Tesla’s base.

On the physical toll his job is taking, Musk said: “It’s not been great, actually. I’ve had friends come by who are really concerned.”

He described spending every hour of his 47th birthday in June at work and almost missing his brother’s wedding.

On Monday, Musk explained in a blog post that his much-scrutinized statements about financing were based on his conversations with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and other investors.

If delisted, Tesla could operate without requirements for financial reports and other pressures of a publicly traded firm. However, it could also lose visibility and limit its ability to raise capital.

Musk told the Times that board members had not complained to him about his tweet.

But the paper said he later told them through a spokesperson that Antonio Gracias, Tesla’s lead independent director, had in fact contacted him to discuss the Twitter post.

Musk added he had agreed not to tweet again about taking the firm private unless he had discussed it with the board.

The tycoon has caused controversy by turning to his Twitter following of more than 22 million to vent frustrations in recent months.

In one bizarre moment in July, Musk labeled a British caver a “pedo” — or pedophile — after the rescuer dismissed the Tesla chief’s idea for bringing 12 trapped Thai boys to safety in a miniature submarine.

This  year, Mazda hasn’t introduced any all-new models, but that hasn’t stopped the Japanese manufacturer from registering a thundering 44 per cent growth in sales for the first seven months of 2018.

The facelifted Mazda2 and Mazda3 launched earlier this year, along with the new CX-5 introduced late last year, and even the BT-50 PRO pickup truck, all enjoyed growth, reflecting the rising popularity of the Mazda brand in the Kingdom.

The only Mazda model that saw sales falling during this period is the CX-3 subcompact crossover, with unit sales from January to July sliding by 14 per cent.

But that’s about to change for the better, because the facelifted model, which Mazda calls 2018 Collection, is here.

The 2018 CX-3 gets a good deal of improvements considering that it’s a mid-life upgrade, and this reflects how competitive the automobile market has become these days.

In front, the radiator grille has a lower number of vents and the chrome bar design has changed both in the front and at the side. The black pillars, fog lamp bezels and side garnish are now glossy and look more luxurious, while the new 18-inch alloy wheels also give the CX-3 a more serious appearance. The rear combination lamps are now LEDs, and still appear like they are staring at you with a bit of an attitude.

The interior doesn’t have much space as this is a subcompact, but some of the changes are impressive. While the old dashboard and console design theme has been maintained, the whole centre console has been removed and replaced with one from the Mazda3. The mechanical handbrake lever has also been eliminated, being replaced with an electric switch, resulting in added usable space between the front seats.

Black suede on the console looks and feels great (make sure you don’t spill drinks on them), and the quality of the materials used in the CX-3 has been picked carefully.

Mazda says that the suspension has been re-tuned to offer more comfort, which I think could be what many of the customers wanted, although the engines deliver the same amount of power and torque.

There are two engine choices for the CX-3. The top model is the 1.5-litre turbo diesel with 105hp and 270Nm, while the 2.0-litre petrol version, pumps out 156hp and 204Nm.

Actually I drove both versions, the Skyactiv-G on the way out to Khao Yai, and the Skyactiv-D on the way back. They are totally different in character and while the petrol engine comes with a large number of trim levels for customers to choose from, the diesel, available in only one trim, proves to be the superior performer. You feel much more in control of the vehicle with the high-torque slugger, and can go as fast without having to sweat it out like the high-revving petrol motor.

The 2018 CX-3 also gets the improved i-ACTIVSENSE package consisting of lane departure warning, advanced blind spot monitoring (standard across the range), rear cross traffic alert (standard across the range), and a new 360-degree around-view monitor. There are eight parking sensors around the vehicle and the driver can choose which type of view he or she prefers.

There are also intelligent pre-collision systems and cruise control, as well as driver drowsiness alert.

While the quality of the materials and the design of the interior appears to be stylish and upmarket, the sporty exterior design has forced out much of the interior space. The compact cabin results in little legroom both front and rear, and the luggage compartment is pretty small too. Those who need space should be looking elsewhere, for example the Honda HR-V.

But for those who are more interested in styling than loading capacity, the CX-3 remains a highly attractive small crossover that oozes with emotions.

While prices of the lower models have been increased slightly, the top petrol model carries the same retail pricing (Bt1.045 million) and the diesel version even comes with a Bt4,000 discount (Bt1.155 million retail price), making them more attractive for the customer who’s willing to go all the way.

Unfortunately, there is just only one diesel option, so if you want to pay under Bt1 million, there are only petrol versions to consider, with prices starting at Bt835,000.

Mazda CX-3 2.0 SP

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve

Displacement: 1,998cc

Bore and stroke: 83.5×91.2mm

Compression ratio: 14.0:1

Max power: 156ps/6,000rpm

Max torque: 204Nm/2,800rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Ratios: 3.552/2.022/1.452/1.000/0.708/0.599

Average fuel economy: 16.4km/l

CO2: 145g/km

Suspension (f/r): McPherson strut, stabilizer/torsion beam

Steering: electrically-powered rack and pinion

Turning circle: 10.6 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/disc

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 4,275

Width: 1,765

Height: 1,550

Wheelbase: 2,570

Track (f/r): 1,525/1,520

Weight: 1,231kgs

Wheels: 18-in alloy

Tyres: 215/50 R18

Fuel tank capacity: 48 litres

Price: Bt1.045 million

Distributor: Mazda Sales Thailand Co Ltd

Jaruay Khanmanee, president of Yanyont Square Group Co Ltd, publisher of the Yanyont-Naklengrot-Naklengrot Kraba-Motorcycle magazines and organiser of the BIG Motor Sale 2018, said: “Consumers will have the opportunity to select and test drive outstanding vehicles from each brand at the show and there will also be lots of additional events and educational talks by gurus in the automobile scene, plus interesting CSR activities,” he said.

The Bt100 ticket includes a grand raffle ticket with a prize of a Bt1.2 million Isuzu Hi-Lander 1.9 Ddi Blue Power Z-Prestige and a Yamaha MT-07.”

Participating are Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MG, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Rolls-Royce, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota and Volvo. Motorcycle companies are Aprilia, Benelli, BMW, Ducati, Hanway, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, Peuget, Ryuka, Royal Enfield, Scomadi, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa and Yamaha.

Mitsubishi is launching its Expander, the seven-seat MPV that set a sales record of 60,000 in Indonesia during the first year, while Nissan will highlight the Terra PPV that was launched on Thursday.

The Expander has been highly successful in Indonesia where it is produced, with sales of over 60,000 vehicles during the first year.

It is powered by a 1.5-litre engine capable of developing 105 horsepower.

Highlights include leather-faced seats for seven people, 4.2-inch TFT colour LCD multi-information screen with 3D animation, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, cruise control and 6.2-inch touch-screen monitor.

The company claims it will be the first to run a taxi service with electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand. It has 101 vehicles ready for the service launch on September 9.

After signing a cooperation agreement to promote electric cars from Chinese manufacturer BYD, Sorayut Phettakul, director of EV Society Co Ltd, said that the company expects lower administrative costs through the use of electric vehicles (EVs), given the absence of petroleum-based fuels.

Sorayut said corporate investment in EVs was in line with the government’s attempt to push Thailand towards the state’s Energy 4.0 vision.

In the initial phase, the company will start with the 101 taxis and invest about Bt200 million to establish a maintenance and repair centre and battery charging points in the areas around Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Next year, the number of the company’s electric taxis will reach 1,000 and it will join with Energy Absolute (EA) to add charging points at 30 Susco service stations under the cooperation agreement.

Apichat Leenutaphong, managing director of electric vehicle importer Rizen Energy Co Ltd, said that the company started importing EVs last year, drawn to the growth potential.

Using EVs will see an average maintenance and repair cost of Bt0.90 per kilometre, compared with the Bt1.50 per kilometre for a regular car, he said. The fuel cost of EVs averages Bt0.70 per kilometre, against the Bt2.50 per kilometre for a regular car.

Apichat predicts that major carmakers will start making more EVs in the next four to five years and that Thais will respond well to the 50 per cent-plus fuel savings and likely tax support.

Liu Xueliang, general manager of the BYD Asia Pacific auto sales division, said that Thailand is its major market in Asean and if demand rises consistently, the Chinese carmaker would consider setting up a plant in the country.

The Metropolitan Electricity Authority has already imported BYD’s electric vehicles. The Chinese carmaker is in discussions with Loxley to bid for a Bangkok Mass Transit Authority project that would see the authority buy electric buses.

Sanit Promwong, director-general of Department of Land Transport (DLT), said after the signing that the department has a policy to promote the use of public cars running on alternative energy sources, while also seeking to upgrade safety standards.

Under the private-sector cooperation, BYD e6 vehicles will be used as taxis and the fares will start at Bt150 for the first two kilometres, with Bt16 per kilometre thereafter. Passengers can pay with credit cards or cash.

Yossapong Laoonual, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, said: “This cooperation is believed to help support the Ministry of Energy’s plan, which targets having 1.2 million EVs in 2036. It will also help the public sector to stimulate the use of EVs, whose prices are relatively high, with tax incentives.”

Nissan Motor Thailand (NMT) Co Ltd president Antoine Barthes said at the launch of the new model in Bangkok yesterday that the Terra, which is based on the Navara pickup truck platform, will attract a large number of new customers.

“The Terra is a new product to take us to a new area of the market,” he said. “We (Nissan) is coming with a ‘striking proposal’ for our customers with a vehicle that is perfect in the city and outside.”

While Nissan already has the X-Trail, a SUV targeted at families with young children and priced above Bt1 million, the Terra will appeal to those looking for a higher level of adventure.

The Terra is priced at Bt1.316 million for the 2.3 V 7AT, Bt1.349 million for the 2.3 VL 7AT and Bt1.427 million for the 2.3 VL 4WD 7AT.

It comes with many of advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility System features, such as lane departure warning, blind spot warning and intelligent around view mirror with moving object detection.

Though the Terra made its debut in the Philippines with a model fitted with a 2.5-litre diesel turbo engine with 190hp and 450Nm, the Thai-spec Terra comes with an all-new 2.3-litre twin turbo diesel engine that produces the same power and torque, but lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Nissan’s combined production capacity in Thailand is 370,000 units per year. Apart from the Philippines and Thailand, the new model will also be offered in Indonesia and other Asean markets including Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

However, exports of the PPV could reach other markets, including Australia where Nissan already offers the Navara pickup truck from its Thai production hub.

“We already export the Navara to Australia and is looking at the possibilities for Terra,” he said. “Thailand is our production and export centre because of its high capability.”

In Thailand, Nissan also plans to introduce the LEAF electric car this fiscal year as well as the Note e-Power, which is an electric car that uses a gasoline-powered electric generator.