China to set up auto research institute in Thailand as EVs gain traction

Robotic arms assemble cars in the production line for Leapmotor’s electric vehicles at a factory in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, China, April 26, 2023. China Daily via REUTERS/File photo

BANGKOK  – China will establish a China Automotive Technology and Research Center (Catarc) in regional automaking hub Thailand, Thailand’s government said on Friday, the center’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 $1.44 billion in new production facilities in the country.

CATARC, a Chinese government affiliated auto research institute, has centers in Germany, Switzerland and Japan and the latest one will facilitate Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Thailand, Thai government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said in a statement.

Thailand is Southeast Asia’s largest car producer and exporter in the region, 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 up to 150,000 baht ($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.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he has shown Tesla executives industrial estate for potential investment last week.

($1 = 35.1700 baht)