Nissan joins panel at Techsauce Global Summit 2018 on preparing Thailand for Electric Vehicle adoption

BANGKOK, (June 29, 2018) - Executives from Nissan, BMW and industry bodies discussed how Thailand can prepare for, and accelerate, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) at the Techsauce Global Summit 2018 in Bangkok.

The summit, held from June 22-23, is designed to help strengthen the region’s technology ecosystem while encouraging Thailand to become one of ASEAN’s technological hubs. 

The panel discussion at the summit, one of the biggest of its kind in South East Asia, was called “Tipping Point for EV, what does it look like?” and included Peter Galli, Nissan Motor Thailand’s vice president of communications; Krisda Utamote, BMW Group’s director of corporate communications; Dr. Yossapong Laoonual, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand; and Warit Taechajinda, manager of electricity value chain project team PTT.

“Earlier this year, Nissan asked Frost & Sullivan to conduct research on the future of electric vehicles in South East Asia,” Galli said.

“The detailed report for Thailand found that there is significant latent demand for EVs in the Kingdom, with 44% of respondents saying they would undoubtedly consider an EV when they make their next purchase decision.”

Answering a panel question on concerns about the price of electric vehicles, Galli noted that the research found that the primary adoption barriers for electric vehicles are not price. Safety, security and range anxiety are the main drawbacks for adoption of EVs, he said.

“The Nissan Leaf has been sold since 2010 in many countries with varying climates. Nissan sold more than 300,000 units globally, which means 57.6 million battery cells on the road, there have been no critical incidents with the batteries. So we have the experience, history and data to reassure people and help them better understand the benefits of EVs.

“Nissan is committed to transforming the way people drive and live, and we aim to build real confidence in electric vehicles.”

Dr. Yossapong noted that charging infrastructure is a top concern for consumers considering buying an EV. Collaboration between government, policy makers and related stakeholders to accelerate infrastructure and the ecosystem necessary for electrification is essential for EV adoption in Thailand.

Nissan is bringing the new Nissan Leaf, the best-selling EV in the world, to Thailand, and we are working closely with government and related stakeholders to pave the way for an electrification infrastructure and ecosystem, Galli said.

Nissan was committed to doing its part to help move people to a better world, he added.

About Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Nissan was established in Japan since 1933 with the commitment to create Innovation that Excites for customer satisfaction. Nissan wants to improve quality of life for people in society by pursuing a goal of zero emission vehicles and zero fatalities on the road with “Nissan Intelligent Mobility”. The company plans to introduce autonomous drive vehicles across regions for safety and more enjoyable driving experience. Nissan started business in Thailand since 1952. Currently, the Nissan Group of Companies in Thailand has subsidiaries five companies, including two of the production bases, over than 190  showrooms and service centers nationwide network. Vehicle range cover all segments includes 10 models spanning the entry level Eco-Car, SUV, Premium Sedans and Pickup Trucks.

About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2017, the company sold 5.77 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.9 trillion yen. On April 1, 2017, the company embarked on Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, a six-year plan targeting a 30% increase in annualized revenues to 16.5 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2022, along with cumulative free cash flow of 2.5 trillion yen. As part of Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, the company plans to extend its leadership in electric vehicles, symbolized by the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia & Oceania; Africa, the Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999 and acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors in 2016. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi is today the world’s largest automotive partnership, with combined sales of more than 10.6 million vehicles in calendar year 2017.

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