http://www.thailand4.com/.auto/2015-07-23/8d814ad583171c7a806ddb6f3ac0404a/

Automotive Press Releases Thursday July 23, 2015 11:01  

Bangkok–23 Jul–Vivaldi

Thai-based Kwaithong Motor Co., Ltd., has announced it is to set up the first Electric Bus Assembly Line in Thailand. The company has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Hybrid Kinetic Group from Hong Kong in the development, manufacture and launch for sale of 5,000 electric buses in Thailand and ASEAN within the next 3 years under the Kwaithong Thai brand. The 5,000 units of electric buses produced in Thailand will be made available for sale in Thailand and in other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Mr. Zhang Kwaithong, Chairman of Kwaithong Motor, said, “We have signed a strategic agreement with Hybrid Kinetic Group of Hong Kong to assemble electric vehicles using US Lithium Titanium battery technology, withover 25,000 million Baht invested for research and development. This light-weight quality battery allows the bus to run 50km on a single 8-minute charge. Moreover, the battery can be recharged up to 25,000 times which isgood for over 10 years of continuous usage. This is massively important in the public sector where there is a vital need for clean vehicle technology which must also deliver exceptional cost/life-cycle benefits for Thai people.”

Kwaithong has an initial plan to import the prototype electric buses by September, 2015, to obtain the accreditation from relevant Thailand governmental authorities in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations before start the production.

The company aims to assemble SKD (Semi Knock Down) electric vehicles using clean energy production processes in Thailand, contributing further to overall sustainability and environmental impact reduction. In addition to providing a highly effective solution to addressing public concern over public transport vehicle emissions, the scheme puts Thailand in a position of leadership in pioneering clean energy solutions for the public transport industry region-wide. The move is also significant in terms of opportunities for employment for Thais in technical and non-technical roles, in addition to adding positive improvement to Thailand’s developing skilled labor pool set.

The Kwaithong Electric Bus production line is to be implemented in three phases:

Stage I: The first batch of the order for SKD packages (Battery, Electrical Equipment and Electrical Control Equipment) to be assembled in Thailand. Kwaithong Motor will invest over 5,000 million Baht under BOI (Board of Investment) protocols

Stage II: Kwaithong Motor plans to use more local equipment to replace importation at various stages (where possible)

Stage III: Kwaithong Motor to source a local producer for body, chassis and bumper systems

“Kwaithong’s production plan will include buses, coaches, vans, taxis and cars, as well as using the new innovative battery with agricultural equipment including cutting tool, water pump, sprayers, and rice combine harvester for Thai farmers. The 5,000 units of electric buses, produced in Thailand under the Kwaithong Thai brand will be made available for sale in Thailand and in other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia.” said Mr. Zhang

Dr. Wang Chuantao, Chief Executive Officer of Hybrid Kinetic Group and HK Motors Corp (USA), said “HK Group is a global company, headquartered in California USA, that integrated global resources in advanced technologies, finance, manufacturing capacities and markets. Business model innovation and integration of global resources are two key competitive advantages of HK group in its pursuit of large scale, sustainable and rapid electrification of urban transit buses with its global partners. HK electric bus is an integration of global advanced and proven technologies (battery and management system, electric drivetrain, vehicle control system, etc). Key characteristic of these vehicle are high energy efficiency, zero emissions, high performance and cost-effectiveness. This is exactly what Thailand needs in a reliable, comprehensive solution to address public demand for modern, clean, affordable public transportation” said Dr Wang.

For more information, please visit www.kwaithong.com

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