Suzuki Motor (Thailand) has imported a new multipurpose vehicle (MPV), the Ertiga, expecting to sell 6,000 of them this year.

The new model, powered by a 1.4-litre engine, is priced between 554,000 baht (US$ 18,800) and 689,000 baht and uses the same technology platform as the Swift eco-car.

"The Ertiga is so reasonably priced because we enjoy a zero-tax incentive under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA)," said President Takayuki Sugiyama, adding that the Ertiga is produced at Suzuki's Indonesian factory (which makes two models - the other model being the Carry one-tonne pick-up truck, with 130,000 of them produced annually).

Mr. Sugiyama said Suzuki plans to double the annual production capacity of Suzuki's Thai plant in the Hemaraj Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate to 100,000 vehicles. The capacity expansion will serve continued high demand for the Swift.

The 1.3-billion-baht expansion will start in June for completion next year.

As of February 28th, Suzuki had received 47,000 bookings for the Swift, with only 23,000 delivered to customers.

General manager Wallop Treererkngam said the local subsidiary expects to sell 60,000 cars this year - 41,000 Swifts, 13,000 Carrys and 6,000 Ertigas. Last year, Suzuki sold 24,680 vehicles in Thailand.

Suzuki will enhance its after-sales service by increasing its number of dealers by 150% to 100 nationwide this year.