Two listed auto-parts manufacturers expect their revenue and profits next year to rise thanks to the quick recovery in the industry.

Aapico Hitech president and CEO Yeap Swee Chuan said the recovery in the automobile industry will help profits in the fourth quarter to reach Bt100 million, enough to help the company to return to profit after losses of Bt102 million during the first nine months this year.

"We will turn to see profit a little from the expected of Bt100 million in profit in only fourth quarter," he said.

He said the bright outlook for the automobile industry will boost the revenue next year close to 2008 levels when Aapico had revenue of Bt9.51 billion and profit of Bt241 million.

He said the company's new plant in Rayong province had begun production and expected it to contribute to the revenue next year as many carmakers are expected to produce new models, including eco-cars.

The resumed orders will drive capacity utilisation next year to 90 per cent from 60 per cent this year.

He said the company was ready to expand its plant immediately if several new models were launched and eco-car makers went ahead with their projects.

"We might review the plan to set up a new plant in Rayong province if we receive more orders from three major carmakers - Toyota, Suzuki and Tata. If there are orders from those major makers and more than 50 per cent of the current capacity is utilised, we are ready to set up a new plant," he said.

Chuan said the company next year will set up a plant in China with an investment budget of Bt200 million to Bt300 million as the automobile industry in China had recovered.

Vehicles sales in China total some 11 million units a year compared with 1 million units in Thailand. Investment in China would strengthen its revenue in future, he said.

Automobile control-cable manufacturer Thai Steel Cable expects a better performance next year despite a nearly 30-per-cent year-on-year decline in revenue and profit this year.

"The recovery in the automobile industry will drive our revenue and profit next year to grow by 20 per cent," managing director Sarit Patanatmarueng said.

The company forecasts a 20-per-cent growth in the automobile industry next year, while the motorcycle industry is expected to grow by 15 per cent.

Thai Steel Cable last year booked revenue of Bt2.3 billion and profit of Bt192 million.

He said the company expects performance in the fourth quarter will grow in line with the recovery in the industry. However, he expressed concern over the country's political situation, which will have an impact on the economic recovery.

The company plans to invest Bt70 million next year to install new machines and improve existing machines.