Master Motor Services (Thailand) Co (MMS) is aiming to expand its Bosch car service centre network to 30 branches by 2016 through a 400-million-baht investment.
Branches to be opened in Pattaya, Bang Saen and Ubon Ratchathani this year, says Mr Kongkiat. PORNPROM SATRABHAYA
MMS Bosch Car services, which has operated in alliance with Bosch since mid-2009, now totals eight branches: seven in or near Bangkok and one in Rayong.
But only half of the new branches would be in or around the capital, said Kongkiat Teekamongkol, managing director of MMS Thailand, part of Master Group Corporation (Asia), Thailand's leading automotive retailer.
With the expansion, the firm's headcount would rise to 220 from 140, he added.
Over 2013, the company plans to open branches in Pattaya, Bang Saen in Chon Buri and Ubon Ratchathani.
MMS Bosch Service is targeting 340 million baht in revenue this year, up 45% from 2012, with car maintenance generating 70% of turnover and spare parts 30%.
But MMS aims for spare parts to provide half of revenue by 2016, when it is targeting 1.56 billion baht in total.
Independent garages will take two thirds of a 150-billion-baht market for automotive maintenance in 2013, said Mr Kongkiat.
MMS mainly caters for vehicles no longer under the original dealers' warranty, he added.
In Thailand, about 800,000-900,000 cars turn to independent service centres each year, he said.
MMS currently runs four key business units: car maintenance, auto parts wholesaling, auto tuning for Porche and BMW vehicles, and financing to garages. But tuning and financing services only contribute marginal revenues.