Ford Thailand new plant still on track

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Ford Thailand new plant still on track 
Bangkok Post: 24 Jun 2010
Ford affirms B20bn plant still on track

Ford Motor Co has reaffirmed its commitment to invest 20 billion baht in a new plant in Thailand to produce up to 200,000 automobiles annually, government officials said yesterday.

They made the comment after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva met with Joseph Hinrichs, president for Asia Pacific and Africa of the US automaker.

Ford received Board of Investment privileges last year to build the plant to make cars for the export and domestic markets. However, doubts emerged in light of the court-ordered suspension of industries at Map Ta Phut in Rayong pending clarification of environment and health impact assessment rules.

Ajarin Pattanapanchai, the deputy secretary-general of the BoI, said Ford's commitment would help improve sentiment and confidence.

She said Mr Hinrichs was also named an honorary investment adviser because of his experience on international business and investment in Thailand, especially on strategy to attract investors from North America and Asia-Pacific.

Ford to date has invested 50 billion baht in Thailand in vehicle production at its AutoAlliance joint venture with Mazda, and in parts production and in a regional headquarters.
http://www2.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/39250/ford-affirms-b20bn-plant-still-on-track