Scania expansion aimed at tapping Asean integration
Scania, the Swedish truck maker, plans to open 10 more service centres nationwide over the next three years to capitalise on a busy logistics system triggered by regional economic integration.
‘‘Thailand will play a key link between Asean, China and India in terms of trade, transport and logistics once the Asean Economic Community is formed,’’ said Phuriwat Rak-Intr, the general manager of Scania Siam Co.
Scania operates six service centres here, in Samut Prakan, Songkhla, Chon Buri, Saraburi, Surat Thani and Tak provinces.
Mr Phuriwat said the company will set up centres in Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Samut Sakhon and Rayong this year plus four more in 2014 and two in 2015.
Possible new locations include Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Pathom, Mukdahan and Pathum Thani.
‘‘Thailand has strength in logistics routes that cover the country and connect to neighbouring countries,’’ Mr Phuriwat said.
‘‘Demand for trucks and buses will increase significantly, boosted by the vibrant cross-border trade.’’
However, he expects the overall domestic truck market to reach about 20,000 vehicles this year, unchanged from last year when truck sales surged after the devastating floods in late 2011.
Scania plans to sell 300-350 trucks this year, up from 162 last year. The company has four truck models, powered by sixcylinder, 360-410-horsepower diesel engines in the Thai market.
‘‘Our trucks are slated for specificpurpose businesses. Scania plans to increase its share to 1.5% this year from less than 1%,’’ said Mr Phuriwat.
About 90% of the overall truck market belongs to Japanese manufacturers.
Mr Phuriwat said Scania expects the overall bus market to grow by 20% this year from 1,200 units last year, boosted by a rise in the number of tourists to 25 million from 22 million.
Scania expects to sell 200-250 buses this year, a rise from 162 last year. The company has four bus models powered by six-cylinder, 250-410-hp diesel engines.
Scania has an assembly plant in Chachoengsao province with annual capacity of 500 vehicles.