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Published on February 26, 2008

The BT50, which has been on the market for the past two years, now has a new front, with special pricing for the two-wheel-drive Hi-Racer version.

"We are proud that the new BT50 is making its world debut through our launch in Thailand, which is recognised as an international automotive manufacturing centre for pickups," said Mazda Sales (Thailand) managing director John Ray.

"Mazda has also added a two-wheel-drive elevated Hi-Racer model at a retail price of only Bt602,900."

Thailand is the first country to offer the new pickups, which are produced at a plant in Rayong. The new BT50s will be exported around the world from mid-year.

Ray said Mazda would give special focus to its new 4-x-2 elevated model and provide a very competitive price. Of Thailand's total pickup sales, more than 97 per cent are two-wheel-drive models, while only 3 per cent are 4-x-4 models. Even then, 4-x-4 models are sold mostly in fleets to government agencies.

Mazda said all of its vehicles were compatible with B5 biodiesel, because the quality of the fuel had been tested by the parent company in Japan. Earlier this week, Nissan said while launching its single-cab pickup that the quality of B5 biodiesel had yet to be certified by the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association and that until it was, Nissan would not recommend its owners fill up with B5.

The marketing budget for the BT50 is set at Bt20 million, and the company hopes to sell 12,700 pickups this year, giving it a 3.3-per-cent share of the pickup market. Mazda hopes to sell a total of 16,000 vehicles this year, giving it a 2.5-per-cent share of the overall auto market.

Mazda expects Thailand's total auto market to reach 650,000 units this year, up slightly from last year's 630,000 units. Ray said the market would receive a boost in the second half of the year from a more stable government and rising consumer confidence.

Mazda Sales (Thailand) now has 90 dealers around the country and hopes to add 10 more dealers this year.

Vijo Varghese

The Nation