Mazda Motor has committed to invest Bt5bn ($150m) in Thailand to produce electric compact sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
The investment, revealed by Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI), targets an annual production of 100,000 units.
This initiative will support both domestic sales and exports to Japan, ASEAN countries, and other international markets.
The move expected to make Thailand as Mazda's manufacturing hub for compact SUV product line.
Mazda president and CEO Masahiro Moro said: “Mazda's investment in an electrified compact SUV marks a significant step forward, and the start of a gradual transition to xEV production.
“The vehicles to be produced will be high performance compact SUVs that meet international standards, both in terms of environmental friendliness and hybrid technology.”
Mazda, with over 70 years in Thailand’s car market, operates two plants: AutoAlliance (AAT), established in 1995 for producing passenger cars and commercial vehicles, and Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing Thailand (MPMT), established in 2015 for engines and transmissions.
The new investment will upgrade both plants to support future electrified products, including vehicle assembly, engines, transmissions, powertrains, and key components like batteries.
Mazda’s plans include developing its local supplier network to boost production capabilities.
Thailand BOI Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi said: “The announcement by Mazda Motor Corporation is a significant investment in the continued development of Thailand as a manufacturing hub for all segments of the automotive industry, and a great endorsement of our policies to support electrification in the sector, including all types of hybrid technology.
“Mazda’s commitment to Thailand, and its confidence in the country’s capabilities, comes just ahead of the roadshow the BOI will conduct in Japan next week and clearly demonstrates the potential for more Japanese investment in Thailand in the auto as well as other tech sectors.”
Last month, Mazda unveiled plans to build a new battery pack plant in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
The facility will produce modules and packs for automotive cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells, which will be supplied by Panasonic Energy.
