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Published on March 22, 2008

The TAPA will run from April 23-27 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Bang Na.

The exhibition, which promotes local auto-parts manufacturers in the global market, will showcase the latest developments and technologies in alternative-energy cars, parts and components, Thai Auto-Parts Manufacturers Association president Prasartsilp On-aht said yesterday.

"Amid high competitiveness in the sector, Thailand will proceed to promote eco- and hybrid cars, in order to emphasis the country's role as the region's automobile-production hub," he said.

This year's event is aimed at not only promoting Thai-made parts and accessories, but also supporting the government's programme to promote eco-car production.

The Board of Investment has recently approved manufacturing proposals from three out of seven carmakers interested in the scheme.

Prasartsilp said the event would also ensure higher growth in sales abroad, which would continue to outstrip domestic sales.

This year, car exports are expected to reach 770,000 units, up from 685,000 last year. Also last year, exports accounted for 53 per cent of total car production of 1.3 million units.

This year, 1.4 million cars are forecast to roll off local assembly lines.

Prasartsilp said the export portion would continue to expand if the Kingdom could become efficient in making alternative-fuel cars.

The industry will also get larger as many Japanese car companies have relocated their plants from China to Thailand since late last year due to better quality of management here, he said.

Automobiles and parts this year are expected to grow almost 22 per cent to US$18.5 billion (Bt579 billion), slightly slower than the 24 per cent to $15.2 billion witnessed last year.

The association has also coordinated with the Commerce Ministry to invite trade representatives from Asean, South Africa and South Asia, as well as the Middle East, which is a rising market.

Rachane Potjanasuntorn, director-general of the Department of Export Promotion, said TAPA 2008 was expected to attract at least 17,000 visitors, up from 14,853 last year.

More than 500 booths from 263 companies will be set up at the event, which will focus on car-technology development, in particular eco-cars, he said.

The fair is expected to generate more than Bt285 million in

orders.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation