Gasgoo.com (Shanghai August 13) - Thai Minister of Industry Pongsawat Svasti came to China last week to meet with Chinese businesses to discuss investment opportunities. Among them, Mr. Svasti met with leading Chinese automobile manufacturer SAIC Group, Gasgoo.com (Chinese) reported today.
Mr. Svasti reportedly met with SAIC Executive Vice President Chen Zhixin. The two of them paid a visit to the manufacturer's Shanghai factory. There are reports circulating that hint at a possible joint venture partnership between SAIC and a local Thai automobile manufacturer. Those same reports speculate that the JV's first vehicle may be the MG6 sports car (pictured). The Maxus series of commercial vehicles are also likely to be produced.
According to Thai Board of Investment Secretary General Atchaka Sibunruang, Mr. Svasti's discussed the possibility of cooperation with Beijing and Shanghai companies active in automobiles, electronics, machinery and other industries. Dr. Sibunruang added that around 300 leaders of business came to listen to Mr. Svasti's explanations on the path Thai manufacturing is developing towards.
Earlier this month, SAIC announced that it will begin producing the MG3 Supermini in Longbridge, UK next year.
