Suzuki to start construction of Rayong plant

Suzuki has announced that it is going ahead with plans to set up a new 20 billion yen (US$231.08 million) manufacturing plant in Thailand. The Japanese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) held a ground-breaking ceremony for the new facility, located at the Hemaraj Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Rayong province, on November 30. The new plant is expected to begin production of an eco-friendly compact car in March 2012. By the end of its first year, Suzuki aims to roll out 10,000 units. The new facility is part of the government’s much-publicized eco-car project, which aims to stimulate the domestic automotive industry and promote production of more economical vehicles. (November 24, 2009)