Sign in Subscribe
Internet services

Ford to Link Thai Suppliers to Global Internet-Based Exchange

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As part of its efforts to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving global business environment, Ford Motor Company plans to link around 100 suppliers of parts and components in Thailand to its global Internet-based exchange by the second half of this year. Ford's head of Asean operations, Gerald J Kania, emphasized the importance of this move, stating that the company aims to increase efficiency and meet new customer satisfaction criteria by adopting the concept of "total customer experience". With a total investment of over $1.4 billion in Thailand, Ford's operations in the country represent its largest Asean investment to date.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ford plans to link approximately 100 suppliers of parts and components in Thailand to its global Internet-based exchange by the second half of this year.
  • The company aims to increase efficiency and meet new customer satisfaction criteria by adopting the concept of "total customer experience".
  • Ford's Thailand operation represents its largest Asean investment to date, with a total investment of over $1.4 billion.
  • The company produces Ford and Mazda brands for both domestic and export markets at its Auto Alliance Co. assembly plant.
  • Ford plans to export half of the cars produced at its Thai plant, with a projected output of 100,000 units this year.
  • The company uses 70 percent local content in its production process.
  • Ford is adopting a new business model, referred to as "total customer experience" or TCE, to create a special bond with its customers.
  • Gerald J Kania, Ford's head of Asean operations, believes that this approach is essential in the "new economy" where businesses need to adapt to changing customer value perceptions.

Statistics:

  • Ford plans to link around 100 suppliers of parts and components in Thailand to its global Internet-based exchange.
  • The company aims to reach 100,000 units in production within this year.
  • 70 percent of the cars produced at the plant will be made using local content.
  • Ford's total investment in Thailand exceeds $1.4 billion.

Sources:

  • Newsbytes.com, "Ford to Link Thai Suppliers to Global Internet-Based Exchange" (20000514/WIRES ASIA, ONLINE)

Read more