Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors is planning to utilize Thailand as a production base for an electric version of its D-MAX pickup truck, with exports set to begin next year, a Thai government spokesperson announced on Thursday.
Chai Wacharonke disclosed that Isuzu intends to invest 1 trillion yen ($6.62 billion) in research and development by 2030, including the establishment of a testing center. The electric D-MAX is slated to be exported from Thailand starting in 2025 to countries such as Norway, Britain, Australia, and others, Wacharonke added.
Isuzu will unveil its first electric D-MAX pickup truck at the Bangkok International Motor Show next week, according to its website. The company did not respond to a request for comment on its investment plans in Thailand.
The move by Isuzu underscores a broader trend among automakers, particularly Chinese brands, who are swiftly establishing electric vehicle (EV) facilities in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. Thailand, a regional auto assembly and export hub, has traditionally been dominated by Japanese brands like Toyota Motors and Honda Motor Co.
Notably, the country has attracted $1.4 billion in investment from Chinese automakers such as BYD and Great Wall Motor for the construction of production facilities. In line with this, German automaker BMW has commenced the construction of a high-voltage battery production facility in Thailand’s Rayong province this month, with plans to establish an EV assembly plant by 2025.
To further bolster EV production, Thailand is offering incentives, tax breaks, and other measures with the goal of converting 30% of its annual production of 2.5 million vehicles into EVs by 2030.
