CNG News: 29th April 2009

Thailand: Sammitr increases its business in gas vehicles

Sammitr Motors Manufacturing, one of the largest auto-parts manufacturers in Thailand, is diversifying its business through the installation of equipment for conversion to natural gas for vehicles (NGV) to Toyota, in response to increased local demand for alternative fuels in cars and trucks. The new line of business is developed by its subsidiary Sammitr Green Power. The Managing Director of the company, Surayut Posirisuk, said that they aim to convert to the gaseous fuel at least 8 percent of the 10.000 new vehicles, which could result in sales worth Bt 500 million (US$ 14 million). He reported that the company expects its market share rise to 15 percent or Bt 1.1 billion (US$ 31 million) next year, and 20 per cent or Bt 1.6 billion (US$ 45 million) in 2011. Moreover, within the next five years, it expects to gain a 30 percent of the market for new vehicles adapted to NGV. Sammitr Motors plans to open eight centers for the service and installation of compressed natural gas (CNG) equipment in late 2009 and over 50 in 2011. The conversion of vehicles in Thailand reached 137.000 units during 2008, increasing by 27 percent from 2007.Sammitr Motors Manufacturing, one of the largest auto-parts manufacturers in Thailand, is diversifying its business through the installation of equipment for conversion to natural gas for vehicles (NGV) to Toyota, in response to increased local demand for alternative fuels in cars and trucks. The new line of business is developed by its subsidiary Sammitr Green Power. The Managing Director of the company, Surayut Posirisuk, said that they aim to convert to the gaseous fuel at least 8 percent of the 10.000 new vehicles, which could result in sales worth Bt 500 million (US$ 14 million). He reported that the company expects its market share rise to 15 percent or Bt 1.1 billion (US$ 31 million) next year, and 20 per cent or Bt 1.6 billion (US$ 45 million) in 2011. Moreover, within the next five years, it expects to gain a 30 percent of the market for new vehicles adapted to NGV. Sammitr Motors plans to open eight centers for the service and installation of compressed natural gas (CNG) equipment in late 2009 and over 50 in 2011. The conversion of vehicles in Thailand reached 137.000 units during 2008, increasing by 27 percent from 2007.