BANGKOK (TVBS News) — Amid growing environmental concerns and a push for greener transportation, Taiwan's leading motorcycle brand, KYMCO, has joined forces with Arun Plus, a subsidiary of Thailand's national oil company PTT, to form a new venture. Named Aionex, this partnership is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) landscape in Southeast Asia.
Strategic Expansion into Southeast Asia
AIONEX is not just a new business entity but a significant strategic move to penetrate markets previously dominated by fuel vehicles. "AIONEX is a crucial tool for entering Southeast Asian markets," Ko added, emphasizing the ability to adapt quickly to local manufacturing systems and meet the rapid demand across the region.
Building a Sustainable Future
This collaboration, officially launched on April 22, aims to leverage the strengths of both KYMCO and PTT to create a sustainable, low-carbon transportation option for Thailand, with plans to replicate this model across Southeast Asia. AIONEX will introduce KYMCO’s innovative Ionex platform and Battery Metering Unit technology, enhancing the functionality and connectivity of electric motorcycles.
"We want to not only focus on Thailand but also look at Southeast Asia as a starting point," said Ko. The venture plans to establish a production and supply chain in Thailand, potentially turning it into a hub for exporting electric motorcycles to neighboring countries.
AIONEX has ambitious goals for the near future, including setting up 100 battery-swapping stations in Bangkok by the end of this year, with a target of 300 by 2025. These stations will support the infrastructure needed for the widespread adoption of EVs across major Thai cities and beyond.
Market Readiness and Technological Integration
The market and infrastructure readiness are critical to AIONEX's success. Ekachai Yimsakul, director of AIONEX and managing director of Arun Plus, noted the absence of a dominant EV motorcycle in the Thai market. "What we try is to make ourselves confident that when we launch our product, and when we have the readiness of infrastructure, we will convince their customers to feel confident to use our product and service," Yimsakul stated.
Gary Ting, chief executive officer of AIONEX, discussed the company's approach to local collaboration and technological support. "We want to bring the best technology to Thailand and try to have local partners build their own motorcycle brand," said Ting. He detailed the support AIONEX offers, from setting up operations systems to helping with energy stations and microgrid solutions, catering to a broad spectrum of needs in the clean energy sector.
This venture is a testament to KYMCO's commitment to understanding and serving the real needs of Thai consumers, setting a high standard for quality and service in a competitive market dominated by Japanese and Chinese brands. Through strategic alliances and leveraging local resources, AIONEX is poised to make a significant impact on the EV market in Southeast Asia.