Car testing centre revs up after stalling

Car testing centre revs up after stalling

Project set to aid EEC, auto parts producers

Construction of the first government-run automotive testing centre in Chachoengsao is expected to start by the fourth quarter of 2017 after a long delay, says the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI).

Operations at the centre are to begin in 2020 as part of a plan to upgrade the local car industry and promote Thailand as the automotive hub of Asean.

The testing centre entails a 3.74-billion-baht investment and spans 1,235 rai in Sanam Chai Khet district.

The project is divided into two phases -- 800 million baht in the first and 2.94 billion in the second. The second phase includes the hiring budget for two specialists, ATT Consultants Co of Thailand and IDIADA Automotive Technology of Spain.

TISI secretary-general Pisit Rangsaritwutikul said the initial 800 million baht is slated for the construction of a tyre-testing track with quality on par with the UN's R-117 standard in terms of rolling surface emission and wet grip.

"The construction timeline was delayed from May to the last quarter of this year because the TISI had to spend a lot of time to win over local communities," said Mr Pisit.

The TISI expects the first phase to be finished by next April, he said.

"At the moment, we are renovating 375 rai for the tyre testing track and buildings, while we are working out the terms of reference to hire a specialist contractor this month," said Mr Pisit.

He said the R&D for tyres has been set as the top priority because the government aims to upgrade the country's rubber sector in order to create added-value for the industry.

Thailand is the world's biggest rubber producer and exporter but is facing falling rubber prices due to oversupply.

Meanwhile, the second phase entails five test tracks, which the TISI expects to begin construction on next year.

"We are still committed to finishing construction of both phases by mid-2019, and plan full operations for early 2020, in line with our master plan for the Industry Ministry," he said, adding this testing centre in Chachoengsao will be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.

Thanawat Koomsin, president of the Thai Automotive Industry Association, said the private sector has pinned its hopes on the testing centre becoming a regional hub that helps improve Thailand's automotive industry in the long run.

"To develop our auto sector strength, we have to have our own R&D unit and the proving ground to support our supply chain," he said.

Mr Thanawat said local tier 1 and 2 auto parts makers are expected to take advantage of the new testing centre because it can save on shipping costs to test their products for export.

Moreover, the testing centre is intended to help attract new investment to Chachoengsao, which is one of the provinces to be promoted within the Eastern Economic Corridor.

"The Federation of Thai Industries is drawing a road map for an auto technopolis on par with the upcoming testing centre to improve the auto supply chain," said Mr Thanawat.

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