imposed a 19% tariff on imports from Thailand and Cambodia, well below the 36% previously threatened, after a ceasefire deal between the two countries. The move came amid President Trump’s warning that trade agreements would be suspended unless the deadly border conflict was resolved. As part of ASEAN, Malaysia, which played a role in mediating the truce, was also assigned the same 19% tariff, aligning with rates applied to Indonesia and the P...

News  Updated at: 2025/08/01

jor supply-side investments worth THB 60 billion, demand-side incentives, and broader ecosystem development, including charging infrastructure (12,000 points by 2030), testing facilities, EV-focused education, and recycling legislation.  The Minister also reiterated Thailand’s ambition to become ASEAN’s hub for EVs and autonomous vehicles, supported by robust infrastructure, international standards, and export-readiness under various FTAs wi...

News  Updated at: 2025/07/30

models to be launched over the next three years in partnership with Indomobil Group. At GIIAS 2025, Nissan also showcased other electrified models including the all-new Serena e-POWER, Kicks e-POWER. Nissan also reintroduced the iconic Patrol to Indonesia, a full-size premium 4WD SUV. (From Nissan ASEAN press release dated July 23, 2025)...

News  Updated at: 2025/07/29

on. Operating profit decreased 84.1% YoY to JPY 5.6 billion. Ordinary income declined 88.6% YoY to JPY 4.8 billion. Net income decreased 97.5% YoY to JPY 738 million. Although global vehicle sales remained even compared to the same period of the previous year at 194,000 units, sales declined in the ASEAN region. A stronger yen compared to the same period last year had a negative impact of JPY 20.9 billion, while U.S. tariffs resulted in an additi...

News  Updated at: 2025/07/24

rary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL), delivered a speech at the Periklindo Electric Vehicle Conference (PEVC) 2025 in Indonesia. At the event, CATL Intelligent proposed a “1+1+1” localized cooperation model based on CATL’s Bedrock Chassis to empower the transformation and upgrading of the ASEAN New Energy industry. CATL is working with ANTAM and IBI, two Indonesian state-owned companies, to advance a national-level battery industrial ch...

News  Updated at: 2025/07/18

d GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show, which takes place from July 24 to August 3, with sales to begin on July 24. The new model will be the third global strategic model born in Indonesia, following the Xpander crossover MPV and the Xforce compact SUV, and it will also be introduced in other ASEAN markets, including Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as in South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Dimensions are 4,680 mm in...

News  Updated at: 2025/07/17

sectors. It also promises greater opportunities across key industries, including automotive. IEU-CEPA is designed to support fair, sustainable trade and enhance industrial competitiveness, forming a key pillar of the EU–Indonesia economic relationship. The partnership also reinforces broader EU–ASEAN security cooperation. (From Indonesia's Cabinet Secretariat and European Commission announcements)...

News  Updated at: 2025/07/17

that Penang state, responsible for a significant portion of Malaysia’s total exports to the U.S., especially electrical and electronic components, still faces economic risks. The broader implementation of the tariff could also undermine investor confidence and disrupt regional trade flows across ASEAN. The tariff is also expected to add inflationary pressure, potentially raising car prices in Malaysia due to higher costs for imported component...

News  Updated at: 2025/07/09

zero-emission vehicle adoption by 2030. Initiated by the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), the conference brought together academia, industry, and government to promote investment, showcase cutting-edge technologies, and support Thai firms’ global growth.  A major feature was the ASEAN EV Roundtable, co-hosted with the Asian Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations (AFEVA), which focused on regional standards, incentives, an...

News  Updated at: 2025/07/07

Vietnam-based THACO Bus gradually strengthens presence in ASEAN markets Announced on June 27, 2025, THACO Bus has grown into Vietnam’s leading bus brand after two decades of development. Operating one of Southeast Asia’s largest bus plants and a dedicated R&D center, THACO employs advanced technologies such as robotic welding and ED coating to ensure durability and quality. With over 70% local content and intelligent management systems, it ma...

News  Updated at: 2025/07/01

INV New Material Technology launches ASEAN’s first Li-ion battery separator facility in Malaysia Announced on June 28, 2025, INV New Material Technology Sdn Bhd, the first Malaysian subsidiary of Shenzhen Senior Technology Material Co., Ltd., has established a lithium-ion battery separator facility in Penang, the first of its kind in ASEAN. This MYR 3.2 billion investment marks a major milestone, positioning Malaysia as the region’s largest p...

News  Updated at: 2025/07/01

d (IMF) lowered its outlook for 2025 global economic growth to 2.8%, which is 0.5% lower than the 2024 figure. Regarding China, the Ministry has analyzed that Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces alone will generate added value in the steel industry equivalent to that of Japan. Exports from China to the ASEAN market have increased to nearly three times those from the U.S. and Japan. Exports of automobiles and lithium-ion battery-related products are a...

News  Updated at: 2025/06/30

with a ceremony at Plant Line #1 to celebrate 50 years of production. Scheduled for completion in Q2 FY2025, the new integrated line will produce current models, including the Almera, Kicks e-POWER, Navara, and Terra, along with select future models. Nissan reaffirmed its commitment to Thailand and ASEAN, calling this upgrade a strategic move to boost cost efficiency and support future localization while ensuring continued delivery of Thai-made v...

News  Updated at: 2025/06/27

uction gear, and inverter into a single unit, commonly referred to as a 3-in-1 system, or even more advanced configurations (X-in-1), depending on the manufacturer’s design. The Ministry expressed strong support for local production and value-added processes to maintain Thailand’s status as the ASEAN automotive hub. The Minister assigned the Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) to coordinate technical assessments and investment strategies. The...

News  Updated at: 2025/06/20

mbly is set to begin in Kedah with long-established assembly partner Inokom Corporation, targeting the production of up to 7 models over 5 years, including internal combustion and hybrid vehicles. Around 30% of output will be exported to neighboring markets. Malaysia is viewed as a strategic hub in ASEAN, supported by high vehicle demand and strong economic fundamentals. Sime Motors will remain part of Hyundai’s dealer network to ensure a smoot...

News  Updated at: 2025/06/19

HESB–HFC form New Energy Asia JV to drive EV charging advancements in Malaysia and ASEAN Announced on June 13, 2025, New Energy Asia Sdn. Bhd, a newly-formed joint venture between HICOM Engineering Sdn Bhd (HESB) (a DRB-HICOM subsidiary) and Hangzhou Flash Charging New Energy Co Ltd (HFC) (a Lotus Technology Inc. subsidiary), has launched a comprehensive range of high-quality EV charging equipment for Malaysia and the ASEAN market. The collabor...

News  Updated at: 2025/06/16

international market for its first EV model after Nepal. The launch event in Port of Spain was hosted by local distributor ANSA Motors, which also opened a new EV showroom at The City of Grand Bazaar to support the growing EV market. The e.MAS 7, available in Premium specification, offers a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, 160 kW/320 Nm output, 0–100 km/h acceleration in 7.1 seconds, and a 410 km WLTP range from its 60.22 kWh battery with adva...

News  Updated at: 2025/06/13

GlobalData blog: Thailand’s automotive market faces critical challenges amidst shifting regional landscape Thailand’s position in the ASEAN automotive landscape is facing increasing pressure as regional dynamics shift. The country experienced a staggering 26% YoY decline in Light Vehicle (LV) sales in 2024, and the outlook for 2025 remains bleak, with a further contraction of 7% YoY experienced in Q1 compared to an already depressed base duri...

News  Updated at: 2025/06/12

Suzuki Thailand plans to launch Indonesia-made Fronx and India-made e Vitara in 2025 Reported on June 6, 2025, Suzuki Motor (Thailand) has confirmed plans to import the Suzuki e Vitara, the brand’s first fully electric SUV, manufactured in India, and set to launch in Thailand in Q4 2025. Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat plant is positioned as a key export hub for markets including ASEAN, Europe, and Japan. Based on the eVX concept showcased at the 20...

News  Updated at: 2025/06/11

BOI actively propels Thailand’s role as ASEAN’s auto and electrified vehicle hub Announced on June 9, 2025, the Board of Investment (BOI) is actively driving investments to maintain Thailand’s position as ASEAN’s top automotive hub amid global shifts. The focus includes all electrified vehicle technologies (HEV, PHEV, REEV, BEV) and collaboration with key agencies. Global automakers like BYD, MG, GWM, Changan, and Hyundai have set up regi...

News  Updated at: 2025/06/10