Ford Keeps Growing in Thailand

Thailand is one of the countries that brought a significant growth to Ford, the US-based manufacturer that managed to cope with the crisis in the domestic market without government support. Official specs rolled out by Ford revealed that its Thai division posted a sales increase of 21 percent in the third quarter of the year compared to the previous quarter. Furthermore, September sales rose 8 percent from August, and represent the best monthly sales in 2009.

Obviously, Ford is delighted with the result and explained that Ranger is one of the models that supported this impressive growth in the third quarter. In September, this particular model increased sales by 8.6 percent compared to August to 541 units. Total sales of Ranger in the third quarter increased nearly 29 percent from the second quarter.

"Our fresh line-up of Ford vehicles, continuous marketing activities, and dedicated dealer network are helping drive stronger sales,” said Saroj Kiatfeungfoo, Ford Thailand senior vice president. ''We're confident Thai consumers will continue to appreciate Ford’s efforts to produce class-leading vehicles they want and value.”

Ford Thailand was established in 1960 and was initially a joint venture between Anglo-Thai Motors and Ford UK. After ceasing operations in 1976 but re-entered the Thai market in 1995 with the help of Auto Alliance located in Rayong. Auto Alliance is owned jointly by Ford (48 percent) Mazda (45 percent), KPN (2 percent) and SMC (5 percent). The facility represents a $500 million investment and produces Ford Ranger pick-up trucks and Mazda Fighter B-series.