GM Thai, ASEAN unaffected by US parent firm's bankruptcy

BANGKOK, June 2 (TNA) - One day after Detroit-based General Motors declared bankruptcy, its top manager in Thailand reaffirmed Tuesday that GM units in Thailand and elsewhere in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region will not be affected.

Stephen Carlisle, president of GM Southeast Asia Operations Ltd -- including General Motors (Thailand) Ltd. and Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) Ltd. -- said the Asia-Pacific operations, including Thailand and ASEAN, would drive the new GM to achieve its goals.

GM (Thailand) seeks to achieve long-term growth in Thailand and ASEAN, the auto executive said. “Despite the region being hit by economic meltdown, GM operations in the region still enjoyed surprising growth during the first quarter this year and are expected to continue until the end of this year.”

Pledging continued support to GM Corp, US President Barack Obama said on Monday after the bankruptcy declaration that the US government will own 60 per cent of the new GM.

Mr. Obama said he hoped the American company would emerge quickly from bankruptcy. He said that his government is ready to inject another US$30 billion to assist the company get on its feet.

Antonio Zara, vice president of sales, marketing and after-sales for Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) Ltd., said this year’s sales are projected to decline while sales in some ASEAN members are still growing considerably.

Despite negative reports about GM Corp in the US, the company in Thailand is becoming assertive, replacing its defensive business tactics with new products to be launched soon, said Mr. Zara.

GM units in ASEAN will in coming months launch new campaigns and sales promotions with an aim to create confidence among the customers. (TNA)