The government has outlined criteria for its ambitious EcoCar project giving manufacturers two years to prepare product strategies and table them to the task force in charge of the project, according to a report in the Bangkok Post.
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Officially dubbed the “Best Little Car” by the committee overseeing the scheme, manufacturers have been advised to focus on safety, driving agility, affordable prices and low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
The overall length of the vehicle’s body must not exceed 3.6 metres, while the width must be kept under 1.6 metres. Such dimensions suggest cars positioned under the sub-compact class (Toyota Soluna/Avanza and Honda City/Jazz), meaning an all-new segment in Thailand.
Exhausts emissions should comply with the Euro 3 standard, while cars must be able to achieve 5.6 litres/100 kilometres (at least 17.8kpl). As for safety, the body must meet European Standard 5 specifications.
The Bangkok Post reported that officials have said that a new tax floorplan has been devised for the “Best Little Car” so that distributors can set retail prices under 400,000 baht. The excise rate will be revealed when a much-awaited major tax revamp is announced later this year.
It is claimed that at least five brands are preparing to produce such small cars. No names were disclosed, but it’s believed that all of them currently have production facilities in Thailand, according to the Bangkok Post.
