Tag Archives: Thailand

NEWS

Mitsubishi XForce HEV debuts in Thailand – will it enter Malaysia?

Mitsubishi Motors has just launched the new XForce HEV variant, featuring the same hybrid engine setup found in the Xpander HEV MPV.

This e:Motion powertrain includes an electric motor capable of generating 116 hp and 255 Nm of torque, complemented by a re-tuned 1.6-liter Atkinson cycle engine (4A92) that produces 107 hp and 134 Nm of torque.

According to Mitsubishi, the XForce HEV boasts a newly developed two-speed transaxle, along with a function that disconnects the electric motor from the drive axle at high speeds.

This new feature aims to reduce energy loss while contributing to a fuel consumption rate of 24.4 km/liter (4.1 liters/100 km).

Similar to modern hybrid systems available on the market, the XForce HEV also provides an EV driving mode.

Additionally, there are other driving modes including Normal, Wet, Gravel, Tarmac, Mud, and a special EV Charge mode that can be used to recharge the battery.

Visually, there are not many differences between the XForce HEV and the ICE variant, apart from the presence of the HEV badge with blue accents, clear-lens rear lights, and the word “XFORCE” on the engine hood.

Furthermore, it features aerodynamic 18-inch alloy wheels and sits lower (183 mm) compared to the standard XForce (222 mm).

Inside the cabin, there is an 8-inch digital display and a 12.3-inch Display Audio screen integrated into a single panel, followed by a premium Yamaha audio system with eight speakers and connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mélange fabric is used on the dashboard for a more luxurious appearance.

In terms of safety, the XForce HEV is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Mitigation (FCM), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Change Assistance (LCA), and Blind Spot Warning (BSW).

Additionally, the vehicle includes an Active Yaw Control (AYC) system that enhances handling on the road.

In the Thai market, the XForce HEV is priced starting from THB 899,000 (RM 117,502).

The question remains, will this HEV variant be offered in the Malaysian market this year?

EV, NEWS

Geely EX5 officially launched for Thailand market, starting at RM111,000

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As we await the official launch of the Proton eMas 7, Geely has made a significant move by launching the Galaxy E5 model (or Geely EX5) in the Thai market.

Two variants are offered in the neighboring country: the Pro variant, priced at THB 859,000 (approximately RM111,000), and the Max variant, which costs THB 949,000 (approximately RM123,000).

The Geely EX5 shares similar specifications with the eMas 7, equipped with a single electric motor delivering 218 PS and 320 Nm of torque.

The Aegis 60.22 kWh battery pack provides a driving range of up to 495 km on a full charge, based on NEDC standards.

The Geely EX5 also supports 11 kW AC charging, allowing it to fully charge in 6.1 hours, as well as 100 kW DC fast charging, which enables charging from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

Unlike the Proton eMas 7, the Geely EX5 comes standard with Apple CarPlay connectivity.

With the official entry of the Geely brand into the Thai market, what will happen to the plans of the Chinese automotive giant to use the Proton brand for the ASEAN market and other right-hand drive markets?

VIRAL

School bus fire in Thailand kills 25, driver arrested

A school bus carrying elementary and junior high school students and their teachers caught fire in Pathum Thani, resulting in the tragic loss of 25 lives.

According to a spokesperson from the authorities, the bus was one of three rented by Wat Khao Phaya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani to take students and teachers on a field trip to Ayutthaya.

The spokesperson reported that the bodies of 22 students and three teachers were found after the fire was extinguished, while 19 other individuals on the bus survived.

Major General Sipakhom Iamwong, Deputy Commissioner of the Region 1 Police Bureau, confirmed that the bus was carrying 38 students and six teachers.

He noted that retrieving the bodies was particularly challenging due to the extensive damage caused by the fire.

Photo: Sakchai Lalit/AP

Meanwhile, CNN reported that Thai police managed to apprehend the driver of the bus. The driver, identified as Saman Chanput, surrendered on Tuesday, just hours after the incident.

Chayanont Meesati, deputy head of the provincial police, stated that the bus suddenly lost balance on its right front tyre, causing it to swerve, collide with a car in front, and scrape against a concrete barrier.

It was believed that sparks from the collision ignited the fire which engulfed the bus. The driver claimed he attempted to extinguish the flames using a fire extinguisher taken from another bus but was unsuccessful and subsequently fled in panic.

Thai police reported that Chanput is being held on charges of reckless driving resulting in death and injury, failing to stop to assist others, and failing to report the accident.

Authorities are also investigating whether the bus company adhered to all safety standards.

NEWS

Mitsubishi Triton Black Edition launched in Thailand, from RM133k

The new generation of Mitsubishi Triton has not been launched in Malaysia yet, but in Thailand, the pickup truck is already offered in a limited edition guise known as the Black Edition.

Based on the Double Cab Plus Ultra AT variant, the Triton Black Edition is available in two exterior colour options, namely Graphite Grey and White Diamond.

Regardless of the chosen colour, the truck comes with black exterior elements as seen on the Dynamic Shield grille, fog lamp covers, 18-inch alloy wheels, side mirror covers, door handles, and tailgate handle.

On top of that, the side steps and rear bumper are given smoked titanium accents to give the Triton an even more menacing look.

Inside, the cabin carries on the dark theme with a black seat upholstery, door panels, and dashboard, contrasted with white stitching and a white headliner.

Standard features include a nine-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an ADAS system encompassing features like the Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), to name a few.

Powering the Triton Black Edition is Mitsubishi’s new Hyper Power 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 184 PS and 430 Nm. It is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing starts at 1,027,000 baht (RM132,666). Mitsubishi says the Triton Black Edition will be offered in limited numbers, although the exact figures have not been disclosed.

EV, NEWS

BYD opens its first EV assembly plant in Thailand

The Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD has recently launched the opening of its first vehicle assembly plant in the Southeast Asia region.

The plant, located in Rayong, Thailand, has a production capacity of approximately 150,000 units per year and will serve as the assembly location for its four key models, namely Dophin, Atto 3, Song, and Sealion.

Additionally, one of BYD’s subsidiaries is reported to be establishing a battery production plant at the same location.

 

 

Thailand has traditionally been a hub for assembly and regional car exports, long dominated by Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu.

By 2030, the country aims to transition 30 percent of its annual production of 2.5 million vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). As a result, BYD plans to make Thailand its manufacturing hub for exports to the ASEAN market and other countries.

In addition to Thailand, the EV company is also reportedly planning to open its second ASEAN assembly plant in Indonesia by 2026.

EV, NEWS

Toyota to assemble Hilux BEV in Thailand by end-2025

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Toyota is currently testing the battery-electric Hilux BEV to assess its performance as it prepares to commence the production of the truck in Thailand by the end of 2025.

According to Reuters, Thailand is a critical market for Toyota, with pickup trucksmaking up more than half of total vehicle sales. The company also has a large manufacturing plant in the country.

“Our intention is to be producing the Hilux BEV over here,” Pras Ganesh, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Asia told Reuters.

Ganesh did not provide any details on pricing or production volume for the Hilux BEV, which would be Toyota’s first electric pickup truck offering.

He added that the pickup truck will be primarily targeted at the Thai domestic market but Toyota will also consider exporting the model.

The Japanese automaker is testing the Hilux BEV for various use cases in different road and temperature conditions.

“The more range I have to put on it, the more battery I have to put on it, which means the weight of the vehicle also becomes significantly heavier, which means the loading can be much less,” Ganesh said.

“So ‘Is it going to meet the customer’s usage needs?’ is always our biggest issue. We are always trying to understand what they do,” he added.

Meanwhile, Toyota’s closest rival Isuzu Motors also plans to assemble its electric D-Max pickup truck in Thailand.

NEWS

Ducati aspires to make Thailand as export hub

Ducati Motor Holding, a leading Italian motorcycle manufacturer, aims to establish Thailand as a key export hub following the opening of a production plant in Rayong. This marks Ducati’s first assembly plant in Asia.

With an investment of 400 million Baht (RM51.6 million), the facility is capable of producing 10,000 motorcycles annually in its initial phase.

“Thailand is a crucial market for big or premium motorcycles, and we aspire to make Thailand our export base,” stated Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding.

“We manufacture all Ducati models at the Rayong plant, ensuring that our products meet the high standards set by the company in Italy,” he added.

The company aims to export its production to the Asia-Pacific region. Its current primary markets outside of Asia include Italy, Germany, the UK, and the United States.

In Thailand, the high-performance motorcycle market is expected to grow, driven by the lifestyles of riders.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) forecasts an overall sales of high-performance motorcycles to reach approximately 15,000 units in Thailand this year.

NEWS

Mitsubishi Xpander HEV, Xpander Cross HEV launched in Thailand

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MITSUBISHI Motors Corporation has officially launched hybrid versions of the Xpander and Xpander Cross in the Thai market.

This marks the first time the seven-seater crossover has embraced electric hybrid power since it was launched into the market back in 2017.

Unlike the pure petrol version, which is powered by a 1.5-litre engine, both the Xpander HEV and Xpander Cross HEV feature a 1.6-litre engine capable of producing 95 hp and 134 Nm on its own.

When combined with an electric motor, the Xpander HEV boasts a total system output of 116 hp and 255 Nm, which is channeled to the front wheels.

According to Japanese automaker, the Atkinson cycle engine boasts higher combustion efficiency and an electric water pump to reduce fuel consumption by up to 34% for urban driving and 15% for mixed driving conditions.

Dubbed the e:Motion, the hybrid powertrain offers seven driving modes, namely Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Mud, Wet, Charge, and EV.

Additionally, it also includes Active Yaw Control (AYC) that controls the braking force between the left and right front wheels.

In terms of design, the HEV models sport the facelifted front fascia introduced in 2022. That said, they can be set apart from the petrol versions by the HEV badge on the grille and tailgate, and the Hybrid EV badge on the front door.

Following the trend adopted for electrified vehicles, Mitsubishi has also incorporated blue accents to the front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and wheels.

The interior features an 8-inch LCD meter, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an electronic parking brake, as well as a new gear lever with Shift-by-Wire technology.

Sound absorbing and soundproofing materials have also been added at key locations to keep the interior quiet not only during driving on pure electric power but also when the engine activates during acceleration or when driving at high speeds.

In Thailand, the Xpander and Xpander Cross HEV are sold at 933,000 baht (RM124,544) and 961,000 baht (RM128,282), respectively.

NEWS

Wing Hin clenches victory for Idemitsu Super Endurance Thailand debut

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NEWLY joining the Idemitsu Super Endurance 600 Southeast Asia Trophy race, the Wing Hin Motorsports team from Malaysia emerged as champions in their class.

In the race at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand, all three cars successfully completed the race, which featured a total of 64 cars.

The Toyota Vios #483, driven by Boy Wong and Dannies Ng, won the D4 Class and finished in 9th place overall.

The Toyota Yaris #338, driven by Naquib Azlan and Mitchell Cheah, finished in third place in the D3 Class, while the Toyota Yaris #339, driven by Amer Harris and Nabil Azlan, finished seventh in the D3 Class.

This victory in the race also marked the third success for Wing Hin Motorsports in Thailand this year. Previously, they clinched the D5 Class title at the Idemitsu Super Endurance 400 Minutes (September) and the Idemitsu Super Turbo Championship Junior.

“This weekend’s race saw us competing in the D4 Class for our engine segment as well as the D3 Class for the overall race and we extremely ecstatic with the results albeit so many uncertainties and nerve-racking moments on the track,” said the principal of the Wing Hin Motorsports team, William Loh.

“Ending the year with a Class win, and to have all three cars finishing in the top 20 is nevertheless a great way to end the racing season. We will definitely be back, and even stronger,” he added.