Daimler to Make Electrified Cars in Thailand

Daimler AG says it is preparing to begin local assembly in Thailand of electrified vehicles and batteries to power them.

The company has completed an application for government incentives that would cover local output of plug-in hybrids, all-electric EVs and lithium-ion batteries.

Frank Steinacher, who heads sales and marketing for Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz brand in Thailand, tells the Bangkok Post that the company is already promoting its all-electric EQC crossover (pictured) in the country.

Sales of the EQC, which will be Thailand’s first all-electric model, are to begin later this year. Mercedes also aims to begin local production of other members of its new EQ product line. The group comprises standard hybrids, plug-in hybrids, all-electrics and high-performance AMG iterations.

The all-wheel-drive, compact EQC is equipped with two electric motors that deliver a combined 402 hp and 565 lb-ft of torque to the car’s all-wheel-drive system.

Last year Daimler received approval to build electrified vehicles in Thailand. The company also invested €100 million ($113 million) to localize battery assembly at a factory in Bangkok. The facility is operated by local partner Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Co. Ltd., which has been assembling Mercedes models for 40 years.