Thai P&T eyes batteries

"The car battery market is very tough this year, with lower raw material prices and people tending to replace their old cars' battery for efficient driving instead of purchasing new vehicles," director Rittichai Tingthanathikul said yesterday.

Batteries now account for 10 per cent of the company's total sales.

The company expects its battery sales to reach Bt200 million or 120,000 units this year, double to 250,000 units next year and hit 400,000 by 2012.

It has launched 17 types of TPS Spark batteries for various vehicles, including units which clearly indicate a battery's status, to help women and inexperienced younger drivers.

"We have more than 500 dealers in Thailand and had have dealings with many overseas traders in markets like Asean, the Middle East and Africa," said Kiattiyot Na Nakorn, product manager.

Domestic dealers would be increased to 1,000 shops next year.

The company's domestic and international battery sales were equal.

For marketing, the company had spent Bt20 million, mainly for promotions and events with its dealers.