TOKYO - Japanese commercial-vehicle manufacturers are exporting more of their Asian output to the rest of the world in order to stabilize production volumes and cultivate new markets in Africa and elsewhere.
In Thailand, Isuzu Motors will increase exports of light commercial vehicles by 30 per cent to a record 89,800 units in the current fiscal year through March 31. The vehicles will be shipped to Australia and Europe as well as Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East.
In addition to assembling the vehicles, Isuzu's Thailand operations also supply parts modules to other assembly plants in Asia, Africa and South America.
Total exports, including both the vehicles and the modules, is expected to increase 27 per cent on the year to the equivalent of 168,900 units, surpassing output of 143,400 units for the Thai market. With exports offsetting a decline in the home market, overall production will expand 4 per cent to 312,300 units.
UD Trucks is planning to mass-produce the Quester, a truck designed for emerging markets, in Thailand and will ship the vehicle to Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. The company will set up a dedicated building within the premises of an existing site of Swedish parent Volvo. Both complete vehicles and parts modules will be exported.
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