Workers on a chassis line at an electric vehicle factory operated by Great Wall Motor in Rayong.
Automotive leaders are urging the government to promote greater use of locally sourced auto parts in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing to protect the country's supply chain against cheap imported EVs.Suwat Supakandechakul, chairman of the Automotive Industry Club under the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said common components such as car seats, electrical wiring and windscreens are vital for achieving economies of scale, reducing production costs, and ensuring quality standards.
High-value parts such as chassis, already manufactured in Thailand, should also be prioritised.
"The government should promote the use of these parts, and expenses can be tax-deductible," Mr Suwat said.
The FTI believes requiring foreign battery EV makers to purchase locally produced parts would mirror the practices of internal combustion engine manufacturers, thereby safeguarding Thailand's supply chain, he said.
