Honda to invest in R&D center in Thailand

Japans Honda Motor will build a vehicle research and development center for Asia and Oceania in Thailand, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Suwit Khunkitti. Suwit suggested that such investment would help develop and upgrade the competitiveness of the Thai auto industry in terms of the overall research and development, as well as the development of auto parts in particular. He said the competition in various business sectors — including vehicles — has grown more intense. So, operators in the industrial sector needed to rely upon R&D for the industry to adapt to the changing business environment. Investment in building the center by Honda would confirm other automakers confidence in the Thai economy. (May 9, 2008)