Inokom recently sealed a deal with Hyundai Motor (Thailand) to assemble and export 1,000 units of the Elantra to Thailand in the first year.
Currently, the Elantra Nu1.8L is the only model that is being exported to Thailand. Available in three variants; 1.8 GLS Navi, 1.8 GLE and 1.8 GL, the introductory price for the Elantra in Thailand starts from THB749,000 for the entry-level 1.8 GL automatic. The mid-range 1.8 GLE and the top-end 1.8 GLS Navi are priced at THB819,000 and THB898,000 respectively.
Inokom’s vehicle assembly plant, which measures 100 acres of built-up area out of 200 acres of land, has an output capacity of 27,000 CKD (Completely Knock Down) vehicles a year. Apart from the Elantra, Inokom also assembles the 7-seater Santa Fe SUV and compact passenger car i10 for the domestic market that is distributed by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors.
Meanwhile, Inokom has started assembling and exporting the first 200 units of the Hyundai Elantra since June this year. Recently, the company rolled out another 200 units, which will be shipped to Thailand in early September. The number of units for export to Thailand is expected to increase in tandem with market demand as the Malaysian-assembled model is being priced cheaper due to the ASEAN Free Trade Area Agreement (AFTA).
According to Inokom’s Managing Director, En. Rizal Jailan (above, centre), the collaboration with Hyundai Motor (Thailand) could open up more export business opportunities for Inokom, especially for locally assembled Hyundai models.
“We have proven our capabilities and we have vast experience in producing high quality vehicles. We place emphasis on quality, productivity and efficiency and this will ensure that we remain competitive in both the domestic and export markets. We are confident that our track record and reputation in producing quality vehicles will help the product’s success in Thailand.,” said En Rizal.
He added that Inokom was looking forward to a long-term working relationship with HMC Thailand and also actively looking and evaluating other business opportunities in the ASEAN market. With the export initiative, Inokom hopes to further cement its support for the new National Automotive Policy (NAP), by developing new vendors and increasing the participation of existing local vendors.
