Diplomats drawn into fray

Business > Economics

FIRST-CAR INCENTIVES

Tata and others say imports will suffer

Published: 17/09/2011 at 02:31 AM
Newspaper section: Business

Tata Motor Thailand has lodged a complaint with the Indian ambassador in Bangkok against Thailand's first-time car buyer programme, saying it discriminates against its imported vehicles.

Other authorised car importers in Thailand are also expected to complain through diplomatic channels about what they see as unfair trade practices.

Industry sources said the importers had to pursue their case after Finance Ministry officials brushed off their concerns about the "impractical and unfair nature" of the scheme at a meeting with leasing and automotive firms.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

About the author

: Writer: Santan Santivimolnat; Position: Reporter

Keep this article in your social bookmark:

Latest stories in this category:

Your comments

bkposter
Post : 579
Send message

Discussion 4 : 17/09/2011 at 01:02 PM4
Post this to my Facebook
The program is designed to grow job growth in Thailand, not India...If Tata opens a factory in Thailand and hires Thai's then they get the same deal. No one is stopping them from investing in Thailand if they want a piece of the market.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
Asian Hand
Post : 249
Send message

Discussion 3 : 17/09/2011 at 09:42 AM3
Post this to my Facebook
Just what Thailand needs - another 500,000+ new cars on the road. Or should I say more pickups driven by yahoos. This will also encourage those that can ill afford a vehicle extend their financial capabilities. But I guess owning your own vehicle is becoming a right in Thailand; another version of the American Dream. Perhaps it should be added as a clause in the next revised constitution?
With all the thousands of used cars up for sale in Bangkok and elsewhere in the Kingdom why not have a program geared to include new and used cars. There are used cars that meet the specifications. And this would fit within the environmental policies of the nation.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
geoffo
Post : 1,874
Send message

Discussion 2 : 17/09/2011 at 09:00 AM2
Post this to my Facebook
Good on TATA for having the courage to speak up.

The first car buyer policy seems like one of those bright ideas concocted late at night in the bar with a few reps from Toyota and Honda in attendance who had some stock to shift
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
taz
Post : 55
Send message

Discussion 1 : 17/09/2011 at 08:08 AM1
Post this to my Facebook
It is just one debacle after another with this government. Minimum wage can't be implemented, one tablet per child reduced to only a few connected children, fuel price reduction and then scrambling to fix the problems they caused to gasohol and now this blatant disregard for trade agreements. These are just a few that we read about and we are told that the red shirts that they put in power at the Finance Ministry were capable people. I am not a fortune teller but with PT at the helm I see that we are heading quickly to a catastrophe.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment

Diplomats drawn into fray | Bangkok Post: business