BANGKOK: Hong Kong-listed Tan Chong International Ltd unveiled its first, 5 billion baht (RM648 million), 100,000 square metre Subaru assembly plant outside of Japan to fully produce Subaru cars in Asia.
Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) Ltd (TCSAT) is a joint venture firm between Hong Kong-listed Tan Chong Interational Ltd and Japan's Subaru Corporation. Tan Chong International holds 74.9 per cent stake through its subsidiary, TC Manufacturing and Assembly (Thailand) Ltd, while Subaru Corp controls the remaining 25.1 per cent.
The newly-launched plant is also the first plant outside of Japan that only produces Subaru vehicles. Prior to the launch, Subaru vehicles were also assembled in Malaysia. However, the plant also assembles Nissan and Renault vehicles.
Tan Chong International Ltd deputy chairman and managing director Glenn Tan said this "strategic long- term move" will allow the company to better manage its supply chain, widen its product line up, localise better and be less dependent on supply from Japan.
“This is truly a milestone for us, to be able to build Subaru cars ourselves in Thailand. We will be better able to respond and meet consumer demand for Subaru vehicles in the region, and perhaps even beyond the region in future,” Tan said at the opening ceremony of the new plant today.
