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Kia expects to sell more light trucks |
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Unperturbed by expensive diesel fuel, Yontrakit Kia Motor Co has increased its sales target for Kia's K2900 light trucks this year due to continued strong demand. The company says the K2900 truck, imported from Korea, offers value for money in terms of multi-purpose use and cost savings by allowing a higher payload. If diesel fuel prices continued to rise, there would be a major change in the local truck market, said managing director Sathit Techalarp-amnuay. Truck drivers need to plan their journeys in advance and to use their vehicles more sparingly. ''The oil crisis and global economic volatility have affected the Thai economy, and especially the transport businesses,'' said Mr Sathit. Kia's Euro-IV compliant truck received a good response at the Bangkok International Motor Show last December so Yontrakit Kia decided to raise its sales target to 1,200 units this year from 800 earlier. The Yontrakit Corporation affiliate has also urged Kia Motor of Korea to accelerate truck supply for the Thai market. To date, about 500 trucks have been delivered to Thai customers. He said he expected trucks to be used less for leisure.
The K2900 has a 2.9-litre engine and boasts 125 horsepower. The company
has cut its price to 632,000 baht from the regular market price of
648,000 baht. |
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Bangkok Post, 26.06.2008 |
