BMW Thailand is holding talks with its parent company in Germany to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) at its Rayong factory so that BMW EVs can tap the subsidy and excise reduction package offered by the government, a source said.
Currently, BMW Thailand is selling some EV models imported from Germany and China.
To be eligible for subsidy and import excise relief that could translate into price reduction, BMW Thailand would have to sign a contract with the government that it would make EVs locally in place of the imported ones.
The source, who is a senior executive of BMW Thailand, said his company is still in talks with the parent firm about making EVs at the BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand factory in Rayong.
If the BMW factory also makes EVs, the company will also be eligible for tax privileges from the Board of Investment (BOI), the source added.
The BOI has allowed vehicle manufacturers to apply for tax privileges as EV-makers in 2018. The BOI has said the tax privilege package for EV-makers can still be applied for.
The BOI has announced that a manufacturer will be exempted from corporate tax for eight years if it invests at least Bt5 billion for making electric cars, motorcycles, tricycles, trucks and boats.
If the investment value is less than Bt5 billion, the manufacturer will be exempted from corporate tax for three years.
In 2021, the BMW factory in Rayong manufactured 33,428 vehicles and motorcycles, up 3 per cent from 2020.
The source said that BMW Thailand might be able to start making EVs in 2023.
BMW has 31 factories in 15 countries and the Rayong factory has been operating for 20 years.
The parent company of BMW announced its plan to make EVs in all of its segments, including X3 series, Series 5, 7 and X1. The company also announced it would make about 10 models of EVs in two years.
As a result, the source sees the chance of having the Rayong factory make some models because the factories in Germany and China might not have enough facilities to meet the master plan.
Primer Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has told the government’s spokespersons to observe the current motor show and report on the response to measures aimed at promoting the use and manufacture of electrical vehicles.
Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prayut had ordered the team to survey the Bangkok International Motor Show 2022 and monitor the response after the government announced a package to subsidise the prices of battery electric vehicles to woo manufacturers to make EVs in Thailand.
Thanakorn said his team found that a lot of motorists showed interest in buying EVs after the government announced the package.
He said booths that displayed and sold EVs in the show drew a lot of public interest.
As part of the package, the government would subsidise the prices of EVs from THB70,000 to THB150,000 apart from reducing import tariff on EVs that would result in a further discount.
Thanakorn said the Excise Department has budgeted THB3 billion for implementing the package. If necessary, the budget can be increased, the spokesman said.
He said EV manufacturers interested in the promotion must first discuss with the Excise Department about the price structure of EVs and they can later start selling the EVs at the discounted prices following approval by the department.
Thanakorn said Great Wall Motors and MG are selling their EVs at discounted prices at the motor show. GWM is selling 1,500 EVs and MT is selling 500 EVs at the show.
The spokesman added that eight or nine more manufacturers have expressed interest to join the programme, including Benz, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Neta brand by Foxconn.
“The government has a policy to support the use of EVs to reduce carbon emission and to make Thailand the hub of EV manufacturing in Asean,” Thanakorn said.
He said once the country achieves the goal of becoming a manufacturing hub for EVs, it would reaffirm its image as “Detroit of Asia” and it would increase the country’s competitiveness.
There will be enough EV charging stations to serve Thailand’s target to have 1.05 million electric vehicles in the next three years and consumers should not worry about running out of power on the road, according to Sharge, a major EV solutions provider.
Sharge Management Co Ltd also mapped out its strategic plans to boost the number of EV charging stations, which will cover, for instance, installing charge stations at home, and finding solutions for public transportation vehicles.
The company held an online press conference “Scale Up EV Future” on Thursday to discuss the prospects of electric vehicles (EVs) in the future.
Each fully-charged EV car should use only 25 per cent of a single house’s electricity consumption. However, the overall electricity capacity is more than 50 per cent of the power consumption, he pointed out.
He added that Thailand would need around 100,000 to 200,000 charging stations if Thailand has 1 million EVs according to the goal, and uses 1 million kilowatt hour (kWh) per week.
He reassured that the cost of electricity would not be more expensive even if the number of EVs is increasing. Meanwhile, the capacity is enough to respond to electricity demand.
“Mass-market EVs, such as Chinese brands MG and GWM, will help the Thailand EV market grow tremendously as I believe they will be able to sell more than 10,000 EVs this year,” Peerapatr said.
The announcement marks Sharge’s upscaled business model. The company is positioning itself as the provider of a lifestyle charging ecosystem, covering night (charge at home), day (charge at destination), on-the-go (charge between destination), and fleet (logistics and transportation)
According to the strategic plan, the company is focused on a stronger ecosystem with a target to engage 50 partners in 2025 from the current 27, installing more charging stations, finding new solutions, and creating more innovation.
Peerapatr explained that the company has worked with property developers to put charging stations to both horizontal and vertical properties. He said that people who live in condominiums should be able to use EVs. The trend is that there is a growing demand for EV stations for home use.
The company has already put charging stations at various retail malls and office complexes in Bangkok to charge during the day. The company has also joined hands with energy conglomerate Bangchak Corporation to set up charging stations to allow users to charge their EVs when travelling to other provinces.
As more users require more fast-charge options, the company would expand more DC charging stations to other provinces for users would be able to charge when they are travelling within a few minutes, he said.
Sharge’s High Power Charging Station is the fastest charger in Thailand with a 350-kilowatt charger. It can charge an EV in 10-15 minutes.
Apart from regular users, the company aims to join hands with five fleet operators this year, including Chao Phraya Express Boat, as they have demand to decrease their energy cost and would like to use clean energy.
According to global statistics, more than 16 million EVs were on the road in 2021 and 6.6 million EVs or 9 per cent of total car sales were sold during the pandemic.
Sharge is an EV solutions provider in both charging hardware and software and was founded in 2019. It is also providing a charging ecosystem with a focus to fulfil EVs with “home” and “destination” charging.
The new Porsche Taycan GTS has made its first regional appearance at the 43rd Bangkok International Motor Show at Impact, Muang Thong Thani.
The new model complements a 9-car line-up from Porsche Thailand, represented by AAS Auto Service, for the show.
The “sporty, soulful” Taycan GTS boasts a range of up to 504km, making it the first Taycan to break the 500km range mark, the company said in a press release.
The new model clearly differentiates itself from its design: a Sports Design Package brings a distinctive trim for the front, rear and side skirts, and daytime running light elements in the LED main headlights are finished in matte black with 3D track graphics.
For the first time, a panoramic roof equipped with “sunshine control” technology is optional on the new Taycan GTS.
Porsche Active Suspension Management, specifically adapted to the Taycan GTS, elevates the dynamism of the model by providing improved grip and greater comfort, the press statement added.
This sporty variant charges up to an “impressive” 440kW (598 PS) of overboost power and a maximum torque of 850 Nm when Launch Control is activated. In normal operation, a handy power output of up to 380 kW (517 PS) is also available, with a top speed of up to 250km/h.
Porsche’s year-on-year Thailand sales increased by 105 per cent in 2021, led by strong demand for the automaker’s electrified vehicles, the press release said, with BEV and PHEV models making up more than 85 per cent of total sales.
“The year 2021 presented many challenges in the new normal, and we had to pivot around numerous obstacles presented by external circumstances,” Porsche Thailand managing director Peter Rohwer said.
“But thanks to the strong demand from our ever-passionate Porsche fans here in Thailand, and close collaboration across the value chain, we were able to finish with strong results.”
Bangkok – 22 March 2022 – SAIC Motor-CP and MG Sales (Thailand), the manufacturer and distributor of MG cars in Thailand, announces the official price of the NEW MG ZS EV, the company’s latest 100% electric vehicle model, starting at 949,000 baht while also celebrating the 50,000-unit sales volume of smart SUV MG ZS with the debut of the NEW MG ZS Limited Edition, available for 500 units.
All MG models are available on display and for test drive with special privileges at the 43rd Bangkok International Motor Show which will take place from 23 March until 3 April.
The NEW MG ZS EV is introduced under the “Truly Easy” concept, a reflection of an electric vehicle that is easier to drive than ever before. Fully developed to have all the better features and the modern look, the NEW MG ZS EV is outstanding for its 177ps motor and a battery with the capacity of 50.3 kWh which can drive up to 403 kilometers on one full charge.
Apart from full equipment and safety technologies, the model responds perfectly to the outdoor lifestyle with the V2L (Vehicle to Load) feature which functions as a power source to charge other electric devices with the maximum load of 2,200 watt. MG also ensures customer confidence with a network of MG Super Charge, part of the EV Ecosystem, which caters to all journeys across Thailand, as proven by an accumulated driving distance of 4,880 kilometers.
The NEW MG ZS EV is available in the D and X model with the retail prices as follows:
NEW MG ZS EV (D)
Normal price: 1,189,000 baht with additional state’s subsidy of 240,000 baht
Net price: 949,000 baht*
NEW MG ZS EV (X)
Normal price: 1,269,000 baht with additional state’s subsidy of 246,000 baht
Net price: 1,023,000 baht*
*The net price after incentives from the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee (EV Board).
*For customers who receive the car after the announcement is published in the Royal Gazette.
Celebrating the success of MG’s popular SUV with the launch of a special model NEW MG ZS Limited Edition
The specially-designed NEW MG ZS Limited Edition is available only for 500 units and is launched in celebration of the success of MG ZS, one of the leaders in the B-SUV segment, which has so far been sold for 50,000 units in Thailand.
The NEW MG ZS Limited Edition showcases sport elements with the newly-designed front grille, front face, rear bumper, shiny black door moulding, black wing mirrors, black roof rails, black rear spoiler, black exterior door handles and the newly-designed 17″ allow wheels. The black interior features artificial leather seats with red stitching, panoramic sunroof, 6-way electric adjustable driver seat, automatic trunk and automatic foot pedal sensors.
The NEW MG ZS Limited Edition is available in 3 body colors namely Arctic White, Black Knight and Scarlet Red and is priced at 779,000 baht.
New prices of MG EP and MG EP PLUS under the government’s EV incentives
MG EP and MG EP PLUS, 100% electric station wagons, are outstanding for functions and technologies that respond to all lifestyles. With specious cabin room, the boot space of 1,456 liters and a battery that can drive up to 380 kilometers on one full charge, MG EP and MG EP PLUS are the models that are entitled to the government’s EV incentive package with the new retail prices as follows:
MG EP
Normal price: 988,000 baht with additional state’s subsidy of 227,000 baht
Net price: 771,000 baht*
MG EP PLUS
Normal price: 998,000 baht with additional state’s subsidy of 227,000 baht
Net price: 761,000 baht*
*The net price after incentives from the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee (EV Board)
*For customers who receive the car after the announcement is published in the Royal Gazette
MG also prepares to introduce the MG EP special edition under MG EP Red Edition soon.
Last chance to own the MG Cyberster under the MG Cyberster Prestige Reservation package
Late last year, MG rolled out the MG Cyberster, a 100% EV concept car inspired by the legendary MGB Roadster. The model features e-sport architecture in the passenger compartment and is equipped with a high-performance battery that can offer an impressive range of 800 kilometers and accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in only three seconds.
The MG Cyberster Prestige Reservation campaign is a chance for Thai customers to book and own the Thai-version MG Cyberster and will receive special privileges where the booking fee can be used as a 10-fold discount after the model’s official launch. The campaign is available as 2 packages: Silver Package where the 5,000-baht booking fee can be used as a 50,000-baht discount and Gold Package where customers can redeem a discount of 100,000 baht. Currently, more than 785 units are booked. This year’s Bangkok International Motor Show is the last chance customers can book the model and receive the aforementioned special privileges.
Furthermore, also showcased at the Bangkok International Motor Show are other MG models including ALL NEW MG5, one of the most popular sport coupe sedans, and MG EXTENDER, the gigantic pickup truck equipped with a new armour. Customers are also entitled to receiving special deals and privileges when booking any MG model at the 43rd Bangkok International Motor Show or at MG showrooms and service centers nationwide.
Carmaker MG will unveil two new sports utility vehicle (SUV) models at the Bangkok International Motor Show from March 23 until April 3.
The new MG HS and MG HS PHEV (plug-in hybrid) offer the next step in design and technology for Thai drivers, said MG manufacturer and distributor SAIC Motor-CP.
The new SUV models use smart software that allows drivers to control vehicle features from the cockpit via Thai-language voice commands.
They also come equipped with MG’s camera-based AR Navigation system, as well as a new look under the “Refinement” design concept.
The models also come with digital keys and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) equivalent to Autonomous Level 2.
The new cars are powered by a 1.5-litre benzine turbo engine and plug-in hybrid technology with a maximum output of 284ps. The 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery has a range of 67 kilometres on pure EV Mode.
The cars come in five different models – C, D and X with internal combustion engine and PHEV D and PHEV X with a plug-in hybrid system.
Four colours are available: Arctic White, Black Knight, Metal Ash Grey, and Scarlet Red.
Customers who book either model before April 3 receive the following bonuses:
· A minimum 5 per cent down payment or interest rate of 0.9 per cent on four-year instalment
· Free one-year Type 1 insurance with compulsory motor insurance
· Five years or 150,000km warranty
Customers who book the new PHEV model before that date will also get a free MG Home Charger and 8-year battery warranty.
The models will be on display and available for test drives from tomorrow at the 43rd Bangkok International Motor Show at Challenger Hall 1-3, Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani and at 150 MG showrooms nationwide.
The Excise Department is expecting more automakers to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote the production and use of electric vehicles (EV) in Thailand after two EV manufacturers – Great Wall Motor (GWM) Manufacturing Ltd and MG Sales Thailand Ltd – on Monday inked the deal with the department.
“Since February 15, the government has approved tax reduction and subsidy of THB70,000 to THB150,000 to buyers of battery electric vehicles [BEVs], depending on the battery size, in a bid to promote the use of EVs in Thailand, which will help reduce air pollution and the reliance of fossil fuel,” said Lavaron Sangsnit, the department’s director-general.
“Besides GWM and MG, other manufacturers who have expressed their interest in joining the campaign include Mercedes Benz, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Foxconn, a Chinese automaker under the brand Neta,” he added.
Lavaron said that after GWM and MG signed the MoU to promote EVs in Thailand, they both agreed to bring three new EV models to the Thai market, namely the ORA Good Cat 500 Ultra, ORA Good Cat 400 Tech, and ORA Good Cat 400 Pro from GWM, and the MG ZS EV, MG EP and MG EP Plus from MG.
“The six new models will be unveiled at the Bangkok International Motor Show to be held from March 23 to April 3 at Impact Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi province,” said Lavaron. “Those who reserve the car in the fair will be entitled to tax benefits and government subsidy valued at THB300,000 to THB400,000 per vehicle, depending on battery size and tariff rate.”
Lavaron added that the government has set aside THB3 billion for EV promotional campaign in the first year, and that the department expected the subsidy disbursement for this year will remain within the budget limit. “However, should the THB3 billion be used up before the year-end, we are positive that the Ministry of Finance will approve an additional budget as the campaign will benefit the country in the long term,” he added.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in cooperation with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), has set up two EV charging units inside Benjakitti park in central Bangkok.
Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang and MEA deputy governor Jaturong Suriyasasin jointly presided over the opening of the Benjakitti charging station.
The station has two AC Type 2 charging units with 22kW capacity each and can be used for free until further notice.
Aswin said the BMA supports the use of clean energy and wants to encourage Bangkokians to opt for electric vehicles (EVs) so the capital can become a low-carbon city.
He said the Traffic and Transportation Department has been assigned to coordinate with the MEA to install EV chargers in Bangkok public parks, public carparks and BMA offices in line with the pilot project launched in Benjakitti Park.
Some 4,000 Bangkokians visit the park on weekdays and the number rises to 10,000 per day on weekends. The park is open from 5am to 10pm.
Jaturong said MEA too wants to promote the use of EVs and is glad to join BMA’s “Charging EVs with MEA for Clean Bangkok” campaign.
He said MEA plans to install 100 EV charging units in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan by December this year.
So far, it has installed 22 charging slots in Bangkok, including units in the MEA offices, at the Chaeng Wattana Government Complex, alongside a 7-Eleven in Ban Suan La Salle and at the Bang Khunnon Police Station.
He said motorists can use the MEA EV smartphone application to book their turn at a charging unit and locate those closest to them.
Great Wall Motor (GWM) on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Excise Department to promote the production and use of electric vehicles (EV)s in Thailand.
In the first phase of the MoU, the Thai government will provide a subsidy of 70,000 to 150,000 baht per EV purchased depending on battery size, together with additional value-added tax (VAT) reduction privileges. GWM has said it is ready to pledge full cooperation in the adoption of pure EV cars across the nation.
GWM has also announced new subsidised retail prices of its ORA Good Cat models currently on sale in Thailand. The new prices are:
• ORA Good Cat 400 TECH: 828,500 baht to 989,000 baht
• ORA Good Cat 400 PRO: 898,500 baht to 1,059,000 baht
• ORA Good Cat 500 ULTRA: 1,038,500 baht to 1,199,000 baht
As a company committed to user-centric business policies, GWM is offering extra privileges worth more than 25,000 baht to buyers of ORA Good Cat who received their vehicles before March 21, when the MoU was signed. The privileges are:
• 100,000 GWM points equivalent to 10,000 baht that can be used to redeem goods and services via the GWM app
• 15,000 baht worth of charging credit at any GWM charging facility nationwide
Narong Sritalayon, managing director of GWM (Thailand), said: “The Thai government plans to encourage greater usage of electric vehicles and establish the country as the Asean hub for electric vehicle manufacturing, with a target of having zero-emission vehicles [ZEV] accounting for 30 per cent of all car production in Thailand by 2030.
“This goal is not only in line with GWM’s strategies for investment and operations in the Thai market but is also a guideline for us to create and develop new products and services that better cater to Thai consumers’ EV needs and driving experiences.
“GWM is ready to support the Thai government’s scheme along with other stakeholders’ efforts to promote the growth of Thailand’s EV industry, resulting in the practical adoption of clean, safe and eco-friendly electric vehicles nationwide, while advancing Thailand’s position as the central hub of EVs in ASEAN. The new prices of all ORA Good Cat models, as well as extra benefits given to customers, prove our commitment to listening to our customers’ voices and delivering better experiences to them.”
Entering its second year of operations in Thailand, GWM is continuing to build trust among Thai consumers by providing quality vehicles. This year, GWM plans to bring five new EV models from three brands to the Thai market, including the pure electric vehicle under the ORA brand.
Between November last year to February this year, GWM has delivered 1,108 ORA Good Cat vehicles, making it a leader in Thailand’s 100 per cent electric vehicle segment.
GWM is also proactively developing and expanding its EV charging infrastructure nationwide. Last year, GWM opened its first G-Charge Supercharging Station in Thailand at Siam Square in Bangkok. This fast-charging facility is equipped with three DC charging units, each with two CCS type 2 connectors. The station has a total of six connectors with a maximum charging load of 160kW. The facility is open 24/7 and designed to accommodate electric vehicles of all brands and battery types. GWM aims to expand its charging facilities to 55 locations across the nation.
Electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts can now pre-book the latest MG ZS EV 2022 for a mere 10,000 baht though the actual price of the car will only be revealed on March 22.
MG Sales (Thailand) said on Friday the price for MG ZS EV 2022 has not been set because Thailand’s measures for electric vehicles has not yet been finalised.
However, the company said it has decided to put the electric cars up for pre-booking until March 21 and will receive the shipment from China by June 30.
The 10,000 baht booking fee will translate into a 20,000 baht discount once the car is ready to be transferred to the buyer.
The discounts include an eight-year or 160,000km battery warranty and four years or 120,000km car warranty.
Freebies also include a home charger with free installation, one year of first-class insurance and a V2L charger.
The MG ZS EV 2022 is attractive because several changes have been made, such as:
Battery capacity has increased to 50.3kWh from 44.5kWh
One full charge can last for 403km from 337km
Though the car’s horsepower has risen to 175 from 150, its torque has dropped from 350Nm to 280Nm
The 0-100kph acceleration has been increased from 8.2 seconds to 8.6 seconds
The car’s top speed has risen to 175kph from 140kph
The MG ZS EV 2022 also includes:
Wireless mobile phone charger
7-inch digital dash screen
10-inch touch screen
Panoramic sunroof
Car seats that can be adjusted in six directions
Auto air-conditioning system and vent for passengers in the back
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
PM2.5 air-filter system
Speakers in six spots
Connecting with Apple CarPlay or Android smartphones
The BOI has announced that a manufacturer will be exempted from corporate tax for eight years if it invests at least Bt5 billion for making electric cars, motorcycles, tricycles, trucks and boats.
As a result, the source sees the chance of having the Rayong factory make some models because the factories in Germany and China might not have enough facilities to meet the master plan.
So far, it has installed 22 charging slots in Bangkok, including units in the MEA offices, at the Chaeng Wattana Government Complex, alongside a 7-Eleven in Ban Suan La Salle and at the Bang Khunnon Police Station.
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