Ambassador of Thailand Visits AISIN Headquarters in Japan to Discuss Automotive Industry Direction

On May 16, 2025, Mr. Shintaro Ito, Director of AISIN Corporation, and Mr. Noriyuki Kitazato, President of AISIN Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. (AIAP), had the great honor of welcoming Mr. Witchu Vejjajiva, Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy, Tokyo; Mr. Chawanis Chawanawong, Ministry-Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy, Tokyo; Mr. Kittiphan Bangyikhan, Ministry-Counsellor of the Office of Industrial Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy; and their delegation to the AISIN Group’s Exhibition Hall, also known as the Com-Center, at AISIN Corporation’s headquarters in Aichi, Japan. During the visit, both sides engaged in discussions and exchanged views on the future of the automotive industry, with a particular focus on developments in the ASEAN region, including Thailand.

AISIN shared insights into the strategic direction and collaborative efforts of Thai-Japanese joint ventures, especially regarding the transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EV). This shift is being pursued through AISIN’s “Full lineup” approach, which primarily emphasizes hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). A notable achievement shared during the discussion was the successful implementation of the AISIN Hybrid Unit, currently installed in an HEV model produced by a Japanese automaker now available in Thailand.

The Thai Embassy representatives expressed their confidence that AISIN’s strategy would strengthen trust and deliver positive outcomes for Thailand’s automotive industry. They acknowledged AISIN’s capability and resilience as a leading global automotive supplier to navigate such major transitions. However, they also expressed concerns about the readiness of smaller local suppliers in Thailand to adapt to this transformation.

In response, AISIN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its partners in Thailand throughout this transition and expressed its gratitude for Thailand’s continued support of AISIN over the past three decades in the automotive sector.