LEPAS Thailand Readies for New EV Tax Structure
LEPAS Thailand is adapting its business strategy in response to the Cabinet's approval of a new excise tax structure for imported electric vehicles taking effect January 2027. The company is advancing its domestic assembly plans in Rayong with production scheduled to start December 2026, while also expanding its dealer network and after-sales service capabilities under the LEPAS Care program to support customers through the policy transition.
LEPAS Thailand is preparing to accommodate changes to the excise tax structure for electric vehicles through plan adjustments, cost and market offer evaluations, and the advancement of domestic production plans coupled with after-sales service development to ensure the business can continuously meet customer needs.
Following the Cabinet's approval to adjust the excise tax structure for imported electric vehicles, effective January 2027, to promote investment, manufacturing, and domestic value creation, LEPAS has incorporated this policy direction into a review of its operating plans to align with relevant guidelines and its business plan in Thailand.
Jittisak Wongdiri, Director of Sales and Dealer Network Development at LEPAS Thailand, stated: "Our approach is to plan an integrated strategy from product to after-sales care, assessing the impact of the tax structure alongside market demand to ensure appropriate product and offer decisions for customers. At the same time, we continue to prioritize our domestic production plan in Thailand, which is a crucial foundation for long-term business operations."
Regarding vehicle delivery, LEPAS will plan to align with customer demand and each model's readiness, while reviewing plans based on confirmed measure details and coordinating with dealers to provide customers with clear delivery schedules and purchase conditions.
For domestic production plans, LEPAS previously disclosed a strategy to transition from importing fully built vehicles to assembly in Rayong province. The company has scheduled actual production to begin in December 2026, with the first lot expected to reach the market and be delivered in time for the government's new tax base.
LEPAS places importance on developing its dealer network and service centers to support customer usage through technical personnel development, specialized tools, and parts management under the LEPAS Care program, ensuring business expansion proceeds alongside service quality throughout the ownership period.
"During this period of policy and market change, customers should receive clear information and continuous care. We therefore emphasize communication through our dealer network alongside service standard development to give customers confidence in choosing and using LEPAS vehicles every day," said Jittisak.
