Mitsubishi Thailand rolls out a Montero Sport as its 5 millionth vehicle

MANILA: Mitsubishi Motors began its Thailand operations back in 1961 and has come a long way since then. It took them 42 years to reach to the 1 million production mark, however, in the next 15 years, they were able to touch the 5 million mark. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation recently announced that Mitsubishi Thailand has rolled out its 5 millionth unit from its Laem Chabang plant, Thailand. It was a Montero Sport that came out of the production unit to mark this milestone. Out of the five million vehicles produced, 3.7 million were for export in more than 120 countries across the globe.

Among the most important guests to attend this event were Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Shiro Sadoshima, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan and Osamu Masuko, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and BOI's Honorary Investment Advisor. A lot of other VIP guests, business partners and employees were also present at the event.

While addressing the attendees, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak extended his praises to Mitsubishi Motors for the successful collaboration between the automaker and the Thai government. He said, "Mitsubishi Motors Thailand's milestone today underlines the role of the automotive industry as one of Thailand's growth engines. The company's commitment to Thailand and its leadership in sustainable practices is initiative that will help us achieve our national economic goals."

In return, Osamu Masuko conveyed his gratitude for all the support and cooperation that the Japanese conglomerate has received from the Thailand government. He said, "We have always had the confidence in Thailand's potential for domestic market growth. Its long-term policies to grow the automotive industry is also a positive sign for our business."

Mitsubishi Motors’ three facilities in Thailand are the biggest outside of Japan. They accommodate over 6,600 employees across the three facilities with a total production capacity of 424,000 vehicles per year.

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand currently operates three automobile plants in Laem Chabang. Operations started at the first plant back in 1992, and at the second plant in 1996. In 2007, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand became a part of the Eco Car project and invested in a third plant for production of eco cars in 2012.

The demand for Mitsubishi vehicles grew rapidly during the last decade and the growth is anticipated to continue in coming years. That said, it wouldn’t be any surprise if the company expands its network and soon opens new production centres in Thailand.