Issue 48

Thai auto parts manufacturers showcased their latest products at the environmentally-friendly TAPA 2016.

Thailand has long served as an important hub for the global auto part and automotive industry. The focus of the Thailand Auto Parts & Accessories 2016 (TAPA 2016) held from April 7 to 10 at BITEC, Bangkok, was on Thailand becoming the auto part and accessory hub of ASEAN.

“Thailand is ASEAN’s leader in the automotive industry, and we have expertise and a high standard of production in the auto part and accessory industry. These industries play a crucial role in the country’s economy,” Malee Choklumlerd, Director General of the DITP, Ministry of Commerce, said at the event.

According to Choklumlerd, the value of automobile exports in 2015 was US$19.2 billion, with Australia, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia being the major export markets, while auto part and accessory exports raised US$13 billion, with Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia topping the list of buyers.

“Apart from manufacturing auto parts for automotive companies in Thailand, auto part manufacturers can also produce replacement auto parts and accessories, where there are opportunities in product development and marketing,” says Arthit Wuthikaro, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry.

The Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association continues to support the industry, specifically in developing Thai brands and providing training for staff in the auto part and automotive industry.

“Thai auto part manufacturers should focus on producing quality parts that are environmentally friendly according to the world trend,” Anchana Limpaitoon, President of the Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association, said. “This year, the association expects exports will grow by 3% to 5%.”

Jointly organised by the DITP, the Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association, Thai Auto Parts Aftermarket Association, Worachak Automotive Synergy Association and Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association, TAPA featured 576 exhibitors from Thailand and overseas.

The products and services on display included auto parts and components (OEM/REM), auto accessories, petroleum/lubricants/maintenance products, tools/dyes and machines, vehicles, repair, maintenance and services, IT and management.

The event also allowed companies to present new products and innovations, and use it as a platform to expand trade opportunities within the ASEAN region.

Under the theme ‘World Auto Parts Sourcing Hub: The Green Innovation High Quality Product for Sustainable Growth’, TAPA 2016 presented new environmentally friendly products and innovations which can reduce pollution, save energy and reduce global warming.

Highlights included exhibitions and product showcases from leading automobile and auto part manufacturers presenting the latest technology. There were also seminars on topics, such as future export trends, export obstacles, and important trade measures.

For more information, visit www.thailandautopartsfair.com

Information courtesy of the DITP

Words by Pimsirinuch Borsub