Hyundai Motor gets ready to compete with Japanese cars in Thailand

South Korea’s Hyundai Motor has set up a branch in Thailand that will begin its operations on April 1 to gain a share of the local Japanese-dominated car market.

The Thai branch, called Hyundai Mobility Thailand, will be in charge of Hyundai Motor's vehicle sales, marketing, and after-sales services. It may consider building a local production facility depending on market demand.

Hyundai has shipped a small number of models, such as vans, to Thailand due to high import tariffs and other reasons.

Hyundai launched the multipurpose vehicle Stargazer at the Bangkok International Motor Show held from March 23-April 2 while planning to launch the compact Creta SUV in the second quarter.

The company also displayed the all-electric IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 models in the motor show.

In Southeast Asia, Hyundai also has branches in Indonesia and the Philippines.