Mercedes-Benz to build EVs in Thailand

[Raubern]

BANGKOK -- Mercedes-Benz Group will become the first major automaker to build electric vehicles in Thailand, starting production in Southeast Asia's largest auto manufacturing hub this year.

The German auto group will build its flagship electric EQS sedan here, the company said Thursday. The car, which uses Mercedes's first dedicated electric platform, can travel more than 700 km on a single charge, according to the company.

Production volume is expected to be small, but by moving early in a segment that is popular among wealthy drivers, Mercedes looks to grab a larger share of the country's luxury-vehicle market.

The move also forms part of the group's plan to transition to an electric-only lineup by 2030.

This marks the start of an era of electrification, Roland Folger, CEO Mercedes-Benz Thailand, told reporters.

Mercedes-Benz Group, which changed its name from Daimler this week, had laid the groundwork for making electric cars in Thailand. It opened a battery factory here in 2019.

Mercedes already assembles gasoline-fueled cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Thailand. Its sales of new vehicles in Thailand grew 13% last year.

While the company has not released detailed results, it is believed to have shipped around 10,000 vehicles in the country, putting its market share in the 1% range. It ranks second in the luxury segment behind BMW.

Thailand is Southeast Asia's largest auto producer, but so far only a handful of startups have ventured into making electric models here.

Among larger players, Japan's Mitsubishi Motors and China's SAIC Motor and Great Wall Motor plan to begin doing so next year. Toyota Motor, which leads Thailand's auto market, is considering such a move but has no specific plans at this time.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automobiles/Mercedes-Benz-to-build-EVs-in-Thailand-in-first-for-a-major-carmaker

 

[Carbon82]

High end model (EQS) + low cost manufacturing (in Thai) = Max profits. 

Mercedes Huat Huat Huat ah!! 

Joke aside, good strategic approach as Mercedes can leverage on the skills set and supply chain in the largest automotive hub within S. E. Asia. 

[Zxcvb]

Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines already have a matured vehicle production industry from various established brands. It is only natural for them to progress to electric as demand rise. 

[Lethalstrike]

Why no Singapore? We always aspire to the hub of everything. Education hub, MRO hub, finance hub, IT hub and now Omicron hub also. 

Why don't join Hyundai and build EVs here? I also want my Assembled in Singapore EQS leh 🤣

[Spurman]

1 hour ago, Lethalstrike said:

Why no Singapore? We always aspire to the hub of everything. Education hub, MRO hub, finance hub, IT hub and now Omicron hub also. 

Why don't join Hyundai and build EVs here? I also want my Assembled in Singapore EQS leh 🤣

Lai lai eqe makie in singapore lai.

 

Bulim area still lots of space. Build build.

Tuas also boleh. Lai lai meredes ev

[Spurman]

Or maybe bmw come come. I5 build in singapore lai lai