Bangkok (dpa) – Suzuki Motor (Thailand) on Wednesday launched a new version of its Swift compact model under a Thai government program to promote local manufacture of fuel-efficient vehicles. Suzuki Motor Corp's Executive Vice President Toshi Hiro said three versions of the eco-Swift will be available on the Thai market at prices ranging from 469,000 baht to 559,000 baht (15,370 dollars to 18,328 dollars), inexpensive by Thai standards. The launch of the model, designed to run more than 20 kilometers per liter of fuel, followed a similar launch by Mitsubishi Motors Thailand of its new Mirage model on Tuesday. Five Japanese automobile manufacturers won tax privileges to design and produce compact, fuel-efficient passenger cars for the domestic and export market. Nissan Motor Corp was the first to produce a Thai-made eco car, the March, in 2010, and Honda Motors launched the Brio last year. Toyota Motor Corp is expected to launch a new model for the Thai market by year-end 2012. Manufacturers of low emission vehicles enjoy reduced excise taxes if they meet government requirements on fuel consumption, safety standards, engine size and production levels. All models must meet European safety standards. Thailand designed the program to attract new investment to its automotive industry, the world's second-largest producer and exporter of 1-ton pickup trucks. The eco-car is designed for urban, cost-conscious customers. Under the program, manufacturers must produce at least 100,000 units by their fifth year of operation. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/m7Z5j Tags: Car, Ecocar, Going Green, Thailand Section: Going Green, Southeast Asia
