Thailand's Auto Production And Exports Climb In 2001.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Thailand's auto production and exports rose significantly in the first four months of the year, boosted by rising sales both at home and overseas, the Thai Automotive Club said.

According to a statement issued by the organization of local carmakers, Thailand's auto output in the January through April period increased 17 percent to 140,317 units, from 119,766 in the same period of last year. During the same period, auto exports rose 44 percent to 51,791 units, which is a third of the total output, and the value of the exports rose 70 percent to $535 million.

General Motors, Ford Motors and other world's leading carmakers have been using Thai plants as production centers for exports. They are increasing exports of these local factories to make better use of them. Strong exports of autos, together with that of electronic parts and other products, had helped Thailand rebound from the economic crisis that happened in 1997. Auto products were Thailand's fifth- biggest export last year.

Thailand's auto output this year is expected to rise 21 percent to reach 500,000 units, compared with 411,721 a year ago.

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