Suzuki has launched the 4th generation Swift in Thailand and has applied for the Thai government’s electric vehicle incentive program for carmakers to build hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs in the country.
Related: Suzuki Swift- All Generations
The Bangkok Post reports that Suzuki is seeking to build hybrid cars in Thailand, and is the fifth carmaker along with Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota, to join the hybrid project. So far, only market leader Toyota has been granted Board of Investment (BoI) incentives while the first car to roll out under this scheme will be the C-HR Hybrid in March.
According to The Bangkok Post Suzuki spent eight billion baht in 2011 for the first phase of its Rayong plant, which makes 50,000 cars a year. In early 2013, the company spent another 1.3 billion baht to raise capacity to 100,000 units per annum. To date, Suzuki has spent 18 billion baht on eco car production and makes three models in Thailand – Swift, Celerio and Ciaz.
Related: 4th Gen Swift Launched in India Starting from INR 4.99 lac
In 2014, Suzuki was granted Phase 2 eco car privileges from the BoI for an investment of 8.43 billion baht to make 100,000 cars a year. The new Swift is the company’s first Phase 2 eco car, which meets higher fuel economy and emissions requirements of 23.3 km/l and 100 g/km of CO2 (20 km/l and 120 g/km in Phase 1).
The new Swift for Thailand, which is powered by a new 1.2L Dualjet engine, is priced from 499,000 baht to 629,000 baht. Suzuki aims to sell 15,700 units of the hatchback this year, and has plans to export 4,000 units to ASEAN countries from April 2018.
From Paultan
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
