Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) made the decision to close down its automobile subsidiary in Thailand, Suzuki Motor (Thailand) Co, by the end of 2025. This move came as part of a strategic review of Suzuki’s global production structure. The manufacturing plant is located in Pluakdaeng, Rayong Province.
Despite offering over six models, Suzuki Thailand sales were relatively low, with only 12,709 units sold in FY2023. As a result, the company will now focus on importing hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) from India, Japan, and other ASEAN markets.
In 2023, EV sales in Thailand accounted for 10 percent of total sales, indicating a growing trend towards electrification in the country. Suzuki Motor (Thailand) has struggled with declining sales, with only 10,807 cars sold in the domestic market in FY2023.
Following the closure of the Thailand plant, Suzuki Motor (Thailand) will continue to provide sales and aftersales services through importing completely built-up units (CBUs) from other ASEAN plants, as well as from Japan and India. The company aims to introduce electrified models, including hybrid vehicles, to support Thailand’s carbon neutrality goals.
Thailand has seen a decline in vehicle sales, with passenger car sales dropping from 672,460 units in 2012 to 292,384 units in 2023. The country is also witnessing a shift towards EVs, with plans to attract significant foreign investment to establish itself as a major EV manufacturing hub.
In 2023, electric car sales in Thailand more than quadrupled year-on-year to nearly 90,000 units, accounting for a notable 10 percent share of the market. Chinese companies dominate the EV sales in the country, with BYD planning to commence EV production facilities in Thailand in 2024.
