Toyota will produce electric pickup trucks in Thailand.

During the Bangkok International Motor Show, Japanese automaker Toyota announced that it intends to start producing electric pickup trucks in Thailand for use in the local market and further export. The move marks a new attempt by the company to expand its presence in the development of zero-emission vehicles.

In addition, Toyota is interested in developing hydrogen-powered vehicles because Japan does not have the nickel reserves needed to produce batteries for electric vehicles. Therefore, the country has decided to focus more on electric vehicle technology in order not to miss its opportunities in this field.

Toyota plans to produce the battery-powered Hilux pickup truck at two plants:

• in Samut Prakan
• at the Gateway City industrial site in Chachoengsao.

Toyota Motor Thailand president Noriaki Yamashita said the production of electric pickup trucks is in line with consumer needs and supports the campaign to achieve carbon neutrality in Thailand.

He also noted that pickup truck sales in Thailand have declined due to stricter auto loan requirements by banks due to high levels of household debt, but he believes electric vehicles will play a key role in improving Thailand's auto industry.

However, due to high levels of household debt, declining pickup truck sales and weak purchasing power, Toyota has lowered its past estimate of car sales in Thailand in 2024 from 750,000-800,000 units to 730,000 units. Just over 775,000 vehicles were sold in the country last year, down 8.7% from the previous year.

Noting that Thailand's economy will improve in the second and third quarters of this year due to tourism, Yamashita expressed hope that the government's stimulus packages will help stabilize the country's economy.