Mitsubishi Thailand rolls out its 5-millionth vehicle

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s (MMC) vehicle producing arm in Thailand, Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co, yesterday rolled out its five-millionth vehicle from its facility in Laem Chabang. The landmark vehicle was a Mitsubishi Shogun Sport.

The event was attended by Somkid Jatusripitak, deputy prime minister of Thailand; Shiro Sadoshima, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan; and Osamu Masuko, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Other VIP guests, business partners and employees were also in attendance.

During his address, Somkid Jatusripitak congratulated Mitsubishi Motors for the successful collaboration between the automaker and the Thai government. He said, "Mitsubishi Motors Thailand's milestone today underlines the role of the automotive industry as one of Thailand's growth engines. The company's commitment to Thailand, and its leadership in sustainable practices is initiative that will help us achieve our national economic goals."

Also speaking at the ceremony was Osamu Masuko, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. He said: "We have always had the confidence in Thailand's potential for domestic market growth. Its long-term policies to grow the automotive industry also a positive sign for our business."

MMTh's facilities at Laem Chabang are the biggest outside Japan, capable of producing 424,000 vehicles a year with exports going to more than 120 countries. The output supports the company's growth in the ASEAN region as well as internationally.

Mitsubishi Motors started its operations in Thailand in 1961 and achieved its first million-unit production in 2003. The second million followed in 2010 and after just three years, MMTh hit the third million in 2013. As demand increased, the four-million mark was reached in 2015.

Out of the five million vehicles, 3.7 million were for export markets in more than 120 countries worldwide. In 2016, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand celebrated its third-million export vehicle.

MMTh currently operates three automobile plants in Laem Chabang. The first plant was opened in 1992, and the second in 1996, the latter focusing on production of L200 pickup trucks as the production hub and export base.

In 2007, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand joined the Eco Car project and invested in the third automobile plant, which started producing eco cars in 2012. MMTh also has a powertrain plant that produces engines for both domestic and export markets.

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand currently has over 6,600 employees. To enhance its operations and leverage its role among Mitsubishi Motors group, the company also has facilities for Global Parts Logistics, a proving ground and a new training centre.