China to set-up an auto research institute in Thailand as EVs gain traction
- Setting up CATARC, a Chinese government affiliated auto research institute, will help Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Thailand
- Chinese carmakers, including BYD and Great Wall Motor, have committed to investing US$1.44 billion in new production facilities in Thailand
China will establish a China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) in regional automobile hub Thailand, Thailand’s government said on Friday, the centre’s fourth such facility in the world.
Thai government tax incentives and subsidies have already drawn Chinese carmakers, including BYD and Great Wall Motor, which have committed to investing US$1.44 billion in new production facilities in the country.
CATARC, a Chinese government affiliated auto research institute, has centres in Germany, Switzerland and Japan and the latest one will facilitate Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Thailand, Thai government official Chai Wacharonke said in a statement.
Thailand is Southeast Asia’s largest car producer and exporter, with Japanese manufacturers including Toyota Motor Corp and Isuzu Motors dominating the domestic sector for decades.
Thailand aims to convert about a third of its annual production of 2.5 million vehicles into EVs by 2030 and is preparing incentives to encourage more investment and conversion into EV manufacturing.
Government subsidies, which are currently as much as 150,000 baht (US$4,265) per car, have allowed EVs to gain more traction in Thailand, which accounted for about half of all EV sales in Southeast Asia in the second quarter.
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