With annual capacity currently at 180,000 vehicles, the additional production is intended mainly for export. Domestic sales this year should reach 50,000 trucks, from 45,000 last year.

Company president Hisayoshi Kumai said that in the first quarter, 14,000 Tritons had been exported: 5,297 were delivered to the United Kingdom, 1,738 to Germany, 1,608 to Italy, and 1,417 to Spain. The Triton was introduced to 140 countries in February. "The response in Europe is overwhelming due to the modern design," Kumai said.

Saha holds prices

Giant consumer-product manufacturer Saha Group is determined to maintain its prices as long as possible, but if the situation worsens, it will first raise the price of items which use fuel as a major raw material, such as detergent.

Boonchai Chokwattana, executive director of Sahapatanapibul Plc, said the company had been affected by rising fuel prices, particularly in terms of higher transportation costs.