However, it is awaiting a decision from the Board of Investment of Thailand, which will meet next week, in regard to investment policies and privileges.

Deputy Industry Minister Piyabutr Cholvijarn said yesterday after meeting with representatives from GM Thailand that they had asked the government to lower the excise tax for automobiles produced in Thailand.

Moreover, the representatives asked whether the government would continue to support the eco-car policy. They also asked for more details about the eco-car policy and a clearer definition of "sufficiency economy".

However, he said the company insisted on making Thailand its production base in the region. At present, it has a production capacity of 120,000 units per year, which is the company's second-largest plant in Asia, after its Chinese factory.

The company told him it would increase the proportion of local content here to 80 per cent, from 40-50 per cent now.

In the next two years, the company will also launch its new eco-car model. He said the model might use either a hydrogen or a "flexi-gas" system.

Chalida

Ekvitthayavechnukul

The Nation