IN BRIEF
Japanese makers up Thai capacity ahead of eco-car production
Japanese auto-makers are expanding their Thai bases to develop and manufacture low fuel-consumption cars that are easy on the environment, The Nikkei reported.
Honda is increasing production capacity - mainly for eco-cars - by 80 per cent over five years, while strengthening its Thai design and development capabilities. Toyota, as part of its global strategy for fuel-efficient cars, will beef up its technical staff here by up to twofold. Since the Thai government declared its policy for eco-cars, the auto-makers have been preparing to rapidly ramp up production of eco-cars by building up their Thai operations into their hub for developing and exporting products to emerging markets.
Nok to build ¥3-bn auto rubber factory Leading Japanese oil-seal maker Nok Corp plans to set up a 3-billion-yen (Bt855 million) factory in Thailand to begin full-scale production of anti-vibration rubber for cars. Construction is slated to begin this year at its Thai unit's existing production site, with the new factory scheduled to start operating next spring, gradually ramping up capacity to 2 million units a year in fiscal year 2009. Most of the new plant's output will be exported to Japan, although some will be supplied to Japanese, US and European carmakers in China.
Course development for SME University The Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion has joined hands with Prince of Songkhla University, Bangkok Rajamagala Institute of Technology and Lanna Rajamagala Institute of Technology to develop curriculums for the SME University as part of non-formal education. The courses aim to develop SMEs and create an integrated SME business suited to community concerns and expertise. Jhitaporn Techacharn, director-general of the office, said yesterday that the programme aimed to increase the number of SMEs by 10 per cent per year. The curriculums will be divided into two levels - for a master degree and for vocational certification or a community college degree. Bangkok Rajamagala Institute of Technology will take responsibility for the Central region by creating two curriculums focusing on flower shops and processed meat products. Lanna Rajamagala Institute of Technology will draw up four curriculums to serve people in the North. They will be on ceramic products, flowers made from ceramics, healthy food from mushrooms, and souvenirs. Prince Songkhla University will focus on creating SMEs that produce health drinks and Web applications.
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