Thailand to give tax incentives to Suzuki, Nissan for eco-car projects

Thailand will grant tax incentives to Suzuki Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. for plants to produce small, fuel-efficient automobiles in Thailand, the country's deputy prime minister and industry minister said Friday.

Thailand, already a major pickup truck hub for Japanese automakers, is aiming to also become a manufacturing center for so-called eco-cars, and the Board of Investment has offered tax breaks to companies that will produce the vehicles.

The engine size of eco-cars must not exceed 1,300 cubic centimeters if they are gasoline-fueled and is limited to 1,400 cubic centimeters if they are diesel-powered. Also, they must not consume more than one 1 …