NEXT-GEN AUTOMOTIVE
IN THAILAND
The French Embassy organized the event “Next-gen automotive: accelerating Thailand as an EV hub” to address the topic of the development of the EV industry, with the support of EVAT and Dassault Systèmes.
Business France, the Trade Department of the French Embassy in Thailand, with the support of Dassault Systèmes and EVAT (Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand), was pleased to gather numerous representatives of public and private entities at the French Ambassador’s Residence, to address the challenging topic of the development of the Thai Electric Vehicle (EV) industry.
Electrification of the transportation sector gained momentum in Thailand since the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) held in Glasgow in 2021, where Prime Minister General Prayut Chan O Cha announced Thailand’s commitment to reducing annual Green House Gas (GHG) emission by 20-25% by 2030 and reach Carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero Green House Gas (GHG) emission target by 2065.
The transportation sector is indeed a key contributor to GHG emission in the region, and automotive producing countries in SEA are rushing to promote the use and the production of EVs, to control CO2 emission as well as to ensure the capture of the emerging EV market as a new source of growth. The ASEAN EV market is projected to grow from US$ 500 Million in 2021 to US$ 2.7 Billion in 2027! Pivoting to the production of EVs is therefore extremely attractive, to maintain global competitiveness in the automotive markets.
Bangkok, April 26th, 2023
During the event held at the French Embassy residence, representatives from a large variety of companies, offices, and agencies ensured the quality of the shared knowledge and exchanges that occurred. The event first focused on presenting an overview of the Thai EV industry, its short and long-term challenges and opportunities. A panel discussion followed up to gather feedback from entities involved in the automotive and battery sector production and their view on Thailand’s path to becoming an EV Hub in the region. Subsequently, French and Thai entities had the opportunity to exchange together during a networking cocktail.
This event provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen the French and Thailand partnership and to show France’s commitment to supporting Thailand’s economic development in a socially inclusive and environmentally responsible way.