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Published on March 29, 2008

Managing director Sompong Phaoenchoke said: "We're confident of receiving a good response from the market. We also have plans to produce flat-deck trucks for other auto-makers."

Launched in Thailand at the Bangkok International Motor Show, the trucks are scheduled for shipment to Chevrolet later this month.

About 60-90 units per month are expected to be sold this year.

Sompong said the company planned to export the modified trucks to other countries in Southeast Asia after a clear business plan has been finalised in the second quarter.

Domestic sales should pick up with low interest rates. Thai Rung expects to sell 1,200 units of modified vehicles this year, up from 700 last year.

Meanwhile, Thai Rung expects the revenue from original-equipment-manufacturer parts, accounting for 55 per cent of revenue, to rise 20-25 per cent, because of higher demand from eco-car manufacturers.

Next month, the company plans to import a demonstration bus from Chinese-based Yutong, the world's second-largest bus assembler, to join a bid for a Bangkok Mass Transit Authority order.

It is also studying a plan to assemble compressed-natural-gas buses in Thailand, to meet demand for energy-saving vehicles.

Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul

The Nation