Suzuki To Close Its Thai Auto Plant By Year-End 2025

Suzuki Motor Corp. said it will close its auto plant in Thailand by the end of 2025, pulling out of local production as it struggles with weak sales amid fierce competition with Chinese rivals, Kyodo News reported.

Demand for compact vehicles did not meet initial expectations, with local consumers showing a stronger preference for sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks. I Photo: Suzuki Motor Thailand Facebook

About 800 workers at the plant run by Suzuki Motor (Thailand) Co. will be transferred to other operations of the local unit, such as motorcycle production, a Suzuki spokesman said.

The small-size vehicle specialist started output at the plant in Pluakdaeng, Rayong Province, in 2012 and has manufactured models such as the Swift compact hatchback, the Ciaz sedan, and the Celerio minicar.

The Thai auto market has been growing rapidly, becoming an automotive manufacturing hub known as the "Detroit of Asia."

However, demand for compact vehicles did not meet initial expectations, with local consumers showing a stronger preference for sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, according to Suzuki.

Chinese carmakers are also pushing ahead with their electric vehicles in the Thai market.