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Ford to Acquire Suzuki’s Idled Rayong Plant, Bolstering Thai Manufacturing Base

The purchase reflects Japanese retrenchment driven by the rise of Chinese automakers in Thailand.

Overview

  • Ford said it has signed a definitive agreement to buy Suzuki’s Rayong assembly site, which sits next to Ford Thailand Manufacturing.
  • The 65,000 sq m factory on a 66-hectare plot will be transferred in the coming months, giving Ford contiguous space to expand capacity.
  • Output at the plant fell from nearly 60,000 vehicles at its peak to about 4,400 recently, with production discontinued at the end of 2025 as Suzuki cited weak small-car demand and currency pressures.
  • Automotive World reports a US$3.9 billion price paid over 30 years, a figure not confirmed by other outlets.
  • The move strengthens Ford’s export-focused hub for Ranger and Everest as Chinese brands climbed to roughly 21% share in 2025 and Japanese brands slipped below 70%, prompting consolidation.