Bangkok Post - General Motors has reiterated its readiness to manufacture all flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) models in Thailand after introducing the first E85 compatible Chevrolet Captiva sport utility vehicle (SUV) yesterday.
The new Captiva is the second mass-production FFV after the Mitsubishi Lancer Ex in the Thai market that can run on all types of petrol up to E85, a combination of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
The Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan and Aveo subcompact will be the next E85-compatible models.
"We cannot confirm at the moment when we will launch them," said Martin Apfel, president of GM Southeast Asia Operations, GM Thailand and Chevrolet Sales Thailand.
Wanchana Unakul, director of product development, said it took about two years for GM to develop and produce the first Captiva FFV model as it had to prepare technology, engineering and execution procedures.
Mr Apfel said it was vital for GM to develop and manufacture vehicles running on alternative fuels, especially E85 vehicles because the fuel is cheap and environmentally friendly. More importantly, he said, the fuel is derived from the farm products that are abundant locally, which helps increase farmers' incomes.
Apart from E85 vehicles, GM also produces an Aveo running on compressed natural gas.
Despite GM's readiness to produce FFVs, E85 is available only at 23 PTT and Bangchak stations nationwide.
GM urged oil companies to expand E85 refuelling stations to accommodate the rising number of FFVs.
As well, he said, PTT was behind schedule in its plan to develop 100 CNG stations. "We urge PTT to expand fuel outlets to meet its plan." he said.
Antonio Zara, vice-president of sales, marketing and aftersales, said the new Captiva sported a new look and improved performance with a 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder gasoline engine.
Prices rage from 1.198 million to 1.58 million baht, and the public launch will be held at Siam Paragon from July 29-31.
Mr Apfel said GM hopes to sell 3,000 units of the new Captiva by the end of this year. The old Captiva model was selling at 300 units per month on average.
Chevrolet has set an overall sales target this year at 45,000 to 50,000 units, which would double its market share to between 4.6% and 5% from last year. It projects overall automobile sales this year at 920,000 units, above the forecasts of many others in the industry.
