"We are looking to expand GM's presence in Malaysia and Indonesia, possibly even in manufacturing," Carlisle told a press briefing. He declined to provide details.
However, even with the regional expansion plan, GM remains committed to its investment in Thailand, he said.
The global automotive giant doesn't plan to switch its regional production hub out of the country despite the adverse effect of the baht's appreciation on the Thai plant's export competitiveness, he said.
"It's too early to talk about anything like that (moving to set up a new regional production hub elsewhere). Let's wait awhile to see where the baht ends up," Carlisle said.
Notwithstanding the current economic challenges, GM has confidence in the longer term potential of Southeast Asian markets as attractive investment opportunities.
Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia are three of 11 global markets designated by GM for development on a priority basis, said Carlisle.
GM has approved an investment of THB600 million to expand the Chevrolet Parts Delivery Center in Thailand to handle future vehicle sales and accompanying service demand, he said.
The company first entered Southeast Asia via Thailand in 1993. It has built THB35 billion ($1.04 billion) worth of automobile production facilities in the country, and has manufactured Chevrolet vehicles since 2000 to serve domestic as well as regional markets.
Currently, the Chevrolet brand is available in the Southeast Asian markets of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.
GM's sales in the region have grown from a 0.8% market share in 2000 to 2.2% at the end of 2006. In Thailand, its market share has grown from 1.5% to 3.4%.
Singapore-based GM Overseas Distribution Corp. will in the second half of this year and early next year expand the Chevrolet brand into markets such as Mongolia and Afghanistan, said Carlisle.
GM is also interested in the Thai government's support for production of small, environmentally friendly "eco-cars," although the company hasn't made any concrete decision on the matter yet.
"We support the broader idea...We're evaluating options. It's a worthwhile dialogue," said Carlisle.
Thailand's Board of Investment, a state agency that promotes strategic investment, in June agreed to provide various incentives for automakers producing eco-cars. The government wants to promote the new class of vehicles to build on Thailand's status a major production center for pickup trucks.
The eco-car category refers to gasoline-fueled vehicles with engine sizes of no more than 1,300 cubic centimeters, and diesel-fueled vehicles with engine sizes up to 1,400 cc, that are fuel-efficient and generate low emissions. They must consume no more than one liter of fuel for each 20 kilometers and create no more than 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
