Solar Gard Corp, the official importer and distributor of Solar Gard automotive solar films, safety films and building solar films, targets sales of Bt70 million for a 5-per-cent market share in 2018, chief executive officer Chaicharn Oupapan said on Friday.

Chaicharn said his company had been appointed by Belgium-based Saint-Gobain Solar Gard as the sole importer and distributor of Solar Gard films in Thailand, starting this year.

Solar Gard films have been introduced and marketed since February, while the first Solar Gard Centre was opened at Rachayothin recently.

“From now on we will concentrate on expanding our business with proactive marketing with a goal of opening a total of 30 Solar Gard Centres and 50 dealerships across Thailand, with targeted sales of Bt70 million in 2018,” the CEO explained.

The company expects the Thai automobile market to grow by 5 per cent this year to 920,000 units, compared to 871,650 vehicles sold in 2017.

This would enable the automotive solar-film market in Thailand to grow in the same direction, with projected sales of Bt1.5 billion to Bt1.6 billion this year, Chaicharn added.

Thanks to the world’s first “Multi-Layer Sputtering” technology, Solar Gard films are guaranteed to reflect as much as 97 per cent of solar energy.

Tapma president Achana Limpaitoon said auto-part import values tallied up to $16.62 billion, with 8.15 per cent increase compared to 2016.

The total import-export value in 2017 has a surplus of $3.22 billion with the most export value coming from top five export partners, Achana said.

These were the United State, at $2.7 billion making 14 per cent of the total export with an increase of 20.62 per cent from 2016; followed by Japan, at $1.79 billion with 9.07 per cent of the total export and 9.79 per cent increase from 2016; Indonesia, at $1.69 billion making 8.54 per cent of the total with 22.80 per cent increase from 2016; Malaysia, at $1.34 billion making 6.80 per cent of the total with 2.81 per cent decrease from 2016; and China, at $1.17 billion making 5.91 per cent of the total export with 37.92 per cent increase from 2016.”

“In the previous year, the association has undergone several projects which has continuously benefited the manufacture industry and the country, with intensive operation procedures to support the many changes affecting the industry. including changes in technology and the global economy,” Achana said.

“We aim to support the auto parts manufacture industry and push for sustainable growth, strength and the ability to compete in international stage with Tapma’s new strategies for 2018-2020.

Achana said these strategies could be categorised into six major aspects: 1) Strengthen the organisation, creating people with focus on ethical values, developing operation systems, emphasising solid management with cooperation, supporting the new generations in management of finance within the association for self-dependency;

2) Focus on technology, innovation and standardisation;

3) Human empowerment developing the potential and ability of the labour force in the industry with appropriate skills, well-being and discipline;

4) Strengthen the business internationally, focusing and developing the connection of international networks;

5) Management of SMEs, supporting and developing strong SMEs with proper management; and

6) Support and promote exports, creating increased opportunities, channels and cooperation between auto-parts manufacturers.

“Currently, from our cooperation with the Department of Skill Development, Ministry of Labour in 2016–17, we have developed 5,949 professional staff and aim for 4,000 more each year going forward,” added Achana.

The CLS has always been my favourite Mercedes model for many reasons.

While the general Mercedes buyer a decade ago would expect a large and elegant vehicle with lots of interior space, the first-gen CLS, first launched in 2005, offers quite the opposite. Despite its 4.9-metre body length, the extra-low roofline gave it a height of just 1,389mm. Sleek-looking it was, but the fact is it wasn’t a spacious car.

I love to compare the CLS to a family member – that mysterious underworld uncle who comes to the family reunion with plenty of gifts, but never tells you what he does for a living – imagine Christopher Walken.

Of course the CLS isn’t perfect, with the low roof offering little headroom, particularly for the rear passengers. But that was another reason I liked it so much – this was an example of style taking over practicality, something you don’t expect from well-engineered German cars.

The long wheelbase and flat body provided the CLS with a comfortable and stable ride too, with a bunch of engine choices.

Since the first generation, the CLS has been a popular niche model in the Thai market, being marketed in large numbers by both official dealerships and grey importers.

The second-gen car came around in 2011, and while the flat windows and low roof concept were retained, the front- and rear-end design were softened along with a less-aggressive bodyline.

For 2018, the third-generation CLS has been introduced and will arrive in Mercedes showrooms in Thailand later this year.

As you can see, the biggest changes again are at the front and rear (and the low roof still needs to be there, otherwise it wouldn’t be a CLS). The new CLS looks modern and sleek coming with a low drag co-efficient (Cd) of just 0.26. Still, the new face design has been mellowed down further, and has a bigger similarity to other Mercedes models with that grille design. The rear-end, meanwhile, comes with sleek horizontal lights that are trendy in design, but I did mistake it for an Audi from a distance.

Seems like the new CLS is targeted at a wider customer group. There are now five seats instead of four (what for?) and interior space has been increased dramatically, offering plenty of headroom, shoulder room and legroom. The car has actually grown in size as well, measuring 5 metres in length and almost 1.9 metres wide. It’s much taller than the first-gen car too, standing at 1,422mm for the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ model featured today.

Talking about Mercedes-AMG, the brand recently started being assembled in Thailand, with C 43 Coupe 4MATIC SKD kits being put together at the TAAP plant in Samut Prakan.

This had significantly lowered the retail price of the car from Bt5.19 million to just Bt4.14 million.

And while there is no confirmation that the CLS 53 will be offered (the first model to hit the Thai market will come with a 3.0-litre diesel followed by a 4-cylinder petrol), I am pretty sure it will eventually come when the timing is right. The interior of the CLS 53 is highlighted by the two large high-resolution screens sharing one glass cover, and appearing as a widescreen cockpit.

The sporty side provides plenty of lateral support, particularly while cornering hard as the side bolsters squeeze inwards automatically. As mentioned, there is plenty of space as well, offering passengers a relaxed atmosphere. The luggage area is also good, measuring in at 520 litres (rear seat backrests are split-foldable as well).

Speaking of atmosphere – the interior lighting offers a combination of 64 colours, 10 colour themes and two effects. The dash air vents are reminiscent of jet turbines, and also illuminated. They turn red with the heater and blue with the cooler.

But really, the highlight of any AMG vehicle is the engine and in the case of the CLS 53, some points are pretty interesting.

First is that instead of the regular V6 motor, this one comes with an in-line-six that you’d normally associate with a BMW. Not that Mercedes has never offered a straight-six, but it’s not what you’d normally expect. An advantage of the in-line-six, and you can clearly notice it in the C 53, is the smoothness once you fire up the engine.

The good thing about this engine is that it’s really compact and is not much longer than a conventional V6, with twin-turbocharging churning out as much as 435hp and 520Nm. The EQ Boost starter/generator system (which is being offered across the Mercedes product range) throws in another 25hp and 250Nm over a short period. It also feeds the 48-volt on-board electrical system – meaning that it uses a 48-volt battery.

A clear advantage of this system is that it builds up high charge pressure without any delay, resulting in better response and acceleration.

The CLS 53 gets a new AMG SPEEDSHIFT 9-speed gearbox that provides you with short shift times, double de-clutching and multiple downshifts.

While the C 43 comes with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system with a fixed 30-70 front-rear-power distribution, the C 53’s 4MATIC+ is fully variable. The test drive event was held in Barcelona last week, and the snowy weather was perfect for testing out the car’s grip.

The CLS 53 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and reach an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h (270km/h with the Driver’s Package). The CLS runs on multi-link suspension, both front and rear, and gets AMG’s speed-sensitive steering that provides a good feel and weight at high speeds.

In Sport+ mode the CLS 53 performed with much enthusiasm, the powertrain unleashing its potential without any signs of turbo lag. Unfortunately, the car weighs in at 1.9 tonnes, and even the 435hp engine and the boost function isn’t going to turn it into a supercar.

Nevertheless, bear in mind that you’re capable of going faster than a Lamborghini Countach in the CLS 53, and in style too, with the retarded ignition purposely igniting backfires that gets the attention of others on the road.

“Did you hear the crackles? I was driving behind you,” I asked a fellow Thai journalist who was in front. His reply was, “You bet I did all the way!”

Driving the CLS 53 through serpentine Spanish roads was entertaining. I could enter tight corners easily with good precision and tight body control despite the car’s large dimensions and the slippery road condition.

Large vented discs at the front (4-piston calipers) and rear (1-piston caliper) provide good bite when the 1.9-tonne car needs to decelerate.

There are plenty of driver assistance systems and other features in the new CLS, but for the Thai market, we’ll have to see what the marketing guys at Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) decide to offer.

For me, the new CLS has become a more complete car despite its original hard-headed styling being toned down somewhat. It’s going to appeal to more people surely, but for those who want that no-nonsense “purist” design, we all just might have to wait longer.

Mercedes-AMG C53 4MATIC+ specs

Engine: inline 6-cylinder 24 valve with turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor

Displacement: 2,999cc

Bore and stroke: 83.0×92.4mm

Compression ratio: 10.5:1

Max power: 435hp/6,100rpm

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

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Ratios: 5.35/3.24/2.25/1.64/1.21/1.00/0.86/0.72/0.60

0-100kmh: 4.5 seconds

Top speed: 250km/h

Average fuel economy: 11.4km/litre

Average CO2: 200g/km

Suspension (f/r): four-link, air springs, stabiliser/five-link, air springs, stabiliser

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: 12.3 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/vented disc

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 5,001

Width: 1,890

Height: 1,422

Wheelbase: 2,939

Track (f/r): 1,647/1,637

Kerb weight: 1,980kgs

Wheels: 19-inch alloys

Tyres: 245/40R19 (front), 275/35 R19 (rear

Fuel tank capacity: 73 litres

Price: to be announced

Distributor: Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Ltd

VW admitted in 2015 to equipping about 11 million cars worldwide with “defeat devices”, which allowed them to deceive emissions laboratory tests but emit up to 40 times the permissible levels of harmful nitrogen oxide during actual driving.

The tainted cars were recalled by VW, but the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) said tests it commissioned on local vehicles before and after being updated showed they were still exceeding regulations in real-world settings.

“Emissions analysis… found an affected VW diesel vehicle to be using up to 14 percent more diesel after recall, and still emitting noxious emissions more than 400 per cent higher than levels observed in laboratory testing,” the AAA said in a statement.

The emissions were lower than before the fix, but higher than the limits allowed in Australia, added the AAA, which conducted the tests in partnership with motorsports’ governing body Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Volkswagen on Monday rejected the comparison and said Germany’s KBA motor vehicle authority had approved its software update, and the fixed vehicles “continue to satisfy European and Australian emissions standards”.

A spokesman said in a statement to AFP that automobile organisations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland had tested the updated vehicles and also found they “continue to perform as expected”.

The AAA said the results showed that actual driving tests, rather than those carried out in lab settings, would allow policymakers to ensure regulatory settings reflect real-world conditions.

Some 42,000 VWs in Australia and more than six million across the globe have been fixed, according to the German auto giant.

The scandal has so far cost Volkswagen over 25 billion euros ($31 billion) in fines, settlements and remediation, and some VW executives have been charged or jailed.

Legal proceedings brought against VW over the scandal by Australia’s consumer watchdog the ACCC and a class action on behalf of motorists both began in Federal Court last week.

Sales growth in February was 65 per cent, the highest in three years, Mazda Sales (Thailand) announced.

Sales of the Mazda2 reached 3,448 units, increasing by 84 per cent, maintaining the firm’s leadership in the markets for small passenger cars and eco-cars for the second straight month.

The Mazda CX-5 unveiled late last year also proved popular, with 752 units sold in February, representing a 231-per-cent increase.

The Mazda CX-3, with 333 units sold, jumped by 52 per cent, and the Mazda BT-50 Pro pickup with 477 units and 8 per cent growth.

The 391 units of the Mazda3 sold represented a drop of 22 per cent.

MST president Chanchai Trakarnudonsuk said Thailand’s economy was on an upward trend in 2018, with signs of recovery showing up since the fourth quarter of last year.

“This year the government expects GDP to reach 3.8 per cent, with 37.8 million tourists a 7-per-cent growth over 2017,” he said.

“Among the contributing factors to tourism growth are the expansion of international airline routes, particularly those connecting Thailand with secondary Chinese cities, and Thailand’s 55-province secondary city tourism promotion.”

The deal underlines a commitment to share their professional skills and knowledge in developing an “Internet car ecosystem” and an Internet-connected transportation service platform for Thailand.

A memorandum of understanding was signed at the offices of MG Sales (Thailand) in the Silom Complex Building in Bangkok.

Krungsri Auto plans to introduce a variety of new products throughout this year to reinforce its leadership in digital marketing in automotive finance market.

Pornthep Tirasuntrakul, senior vice president, deputy head of Krungsri Auto Marketing Division, Bank of Ayudhya PCL, said: “As a market shaper and pioneer in automotive finance services on digital platforms since 2014, Krungsri Auto carried out more comprehensive digital marketing initiatives in 2017 through making its services more convenient and widely accessible as well as creating online campaigns to effectively reach target audiences. With this effort, Krungsri Auto’s new lending volume via online channels grew by 98 per cent from the previous year, with a total amount of Bt1.31 billion.”

The company said the main driving force behind the success can be attributed to a customized calculator for private car loan, an innovation that was developed based on insightful understanding of consumer behaviors. With its ability to calculate monthly installment with an interest rate specific to each car’s model in real time, the system facilitates customers in auto financial planning and enables them to apply for Krungsri Rod Baan loan instantly with just once click.

The tool has also been linked with the partner Kaidee’s RodKaidee platform through API technology. After launching the partnership in September last year, the calculator drove approximately 1,000 engagements per day.

“This results in over a 100 per cent increase of monthly average of completed online forms for Krungsri Rod Baan loan, compared to the previous months,” the company said.

“The achievement marks another milestone for business partnership within the auto finance market, which encompasses broader cooperation with brands from outside the industry, and for digital marketing innovation that truly answers customers’ digital lifestyle.”

The most popular model, with 40 per cent share, is the top GLX-Navi model priced at Bt629,000, said Yoji Murasaka, president of Suzuki Motor (Thailand) Co Ltd.

He said Suzuki plans to sell 15,700 vehicles in Thailand this year.

In February, Suzuki sales grew by 23 per cent to 3,823 vehicles, comprising Ciaz (1,770 units), Swift (1,196), Celerio (352), Ertiga (91) and Carry (414).

The new 340-horsepower A8 L is available in two trims – Premium priced at Bt6.799 million and Prestige priced at Bt7.999 million.

Krisada Lamsam, president and CEO of Audi Thailand, said the company sold 610 luxury vehicles in its maiden year in 2017.

“This is the all-new A8 which is a revolutionary vehicle in itself with an array of digital technology and modern styling,” he said, “Apart from the latest technologies, it also gives customers a new motoring experience led by the highest levels of comfort and convenience.”

The company plans to grow sales by 100 per cent this year, he said, setting a target of 1,200 units.

In a press statement, the company said BMW Thailand posted the highest growth rate across BMW’s global network at 43 per cent year-on-year.

“Starting in 2018, BMW Group Thailand achieved the best-ever January with 816 BMW and Mini deliveries, representing a 10 per cent increase year-on-year. BMW Motorrad also achieved a 36 per cent increase in sales year-on-year with a total of 150 BMW Motorcycles delivered in January,” the company said.

In addition, BMW Group Manufacturing plant – located in Amata City Industrial Estate, Rayong province – surpassed 100,000 units in local assembly. Selected new BMW cars and motorcycles have also been unveiled ahead of their public debut in the 39th Bangkok International Motor Show in late March.

“In addition to sales reaching a five-figure total for the first time last year, our success in reaching the major milestone of 100,000 vehicles assembled in Thailand is yet another solid proof of our commitment to Thailand’s luxury car market,” said Stefan Teuchert, president of BMW Group Thailand.

“I have full confidence that BMW Group Thailand will build upon these accomplishments under the leadership of my successor, Christian Wiedmann, through a combination of exceptional innovation in manufacturing and the ultimate vehicle ownership experience.”

BMW’s lineup of new arrivals for the Thai market in 2018 is led by the BMW X2 – the latest addition to BMW’s adventurous X range – the BMW 530i Touring M Sport, the BMW M4 CS, and the all-new BMW M5.