Thailand's SAIC Motor-CP, a joint venture between China's SAIC Motor and local conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group, plans to double production of batteries for plug-in hybrid vehicles, according to local reports.
The company produces a range of passenger vehicles and a pickup truck under the MG brand in Thailand. Last year it launched a plug-in hybrid version of the MG HS SUV and additional EV models are planned as it focuses increasingly on low- and zero emission vehicles.
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SAIC Motor-CP expects Thai sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles to grow significantly in the short term and will expand monthly production capacity at its plant in Chon Buri, just east of Bangkok, to between 700-800 battery packs from the current 300-400 units. The company is also targeting exports to other markets in the ASEAN region.
The company has also earmarked THB500m (US$16m) this year to invest in expanding its EV recharging network in the country to 500 stations, starting with customer facilities at its showrooms and later at public venues such as office buildings and shopping malls.
