Body panels and roof assemblies for the Tiida compact car will be the first to be exported, with other parts expected to be added in the future. Although company officials did not comment on exactly which parts, it is likely they will be related to the new Nissan pickup, which is to be launched in Thailand later this year.

"Thai auto parts are of world-class quality as a result of the rapid growth in the Thai automotive industry. We will source many of our parts from Thailand in the future," said Akihiro Ishiwatari, corporate vice president of Nissan's supply chain management system.

More than US$300 million (Bt11.4 billion) worth of parts will be exported to Mexico and other countries where the Tiida is being assembled.

The 40,000-square-metre facility is located in Laem Chabang and is Nissan's second largest parts export base after Japan.

Similar bases are being established in China and Indonesia, both of which will be operational in the coming year.

Nissan officials said the company plans to increase its exports from so-called "Leading Competitive Countries" and reduce them from more expensive locations like North America and Japan.

Officials said the growth in the Asian region has prompted the company to launch the Infiniti as a global brand.

The Infiniti has already been launched in China.

Nissan is likely to introduce its new pickup at the Bangkok International Motor Expo.

Vijo Varghese

The Nation