Toyota Invests 1.49 Billion Baht in Thailand's First Hydrogen Pickup
Thailand's Board of Investment has approved Toyota Motor's 1.49-billion-baht expansion to build the country's first hydrogen fuel-cell electric pickup trucks, based on the New Hilux model. Production will start in December 2027 at Toyota's Ban Pho plant in Chachoengsao, with an annual capacity of 3,000 vehicles initially destined for export to Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The move underscores Thailand's growing role in future automotive technology and Toyota's long-term investment in the country.
BOI Secretary‑General Narit Therdsteerasakdi announced that the investment sub‑committee, acting under authority of the BOI, approved Toyota Motor Thailand’s request to promote the production of hydrogen‑powered FCEV pickup trucks, marking the country’s inaugural such venture. The New Hilux models will be assembled at the Ban Pho plant in Chachoengsao, backed by 1.49 billion baht of fresh capital and a planned capacity of 3,000 vehicles per year. Commercial production is expected to start in December 2027, with the first batch earmarked for export to European, Australian and New Zealand customers. The decision to layer Toyota’s latest hydrogen fuel‑cell technology onto the existing Hilux line highlights Thailand’s strategic importance in the global shift toward clean‑energy vehicles. It also aligns with national policy aiming to make Thailand a worldwide hub for all automotive technologies while pursuing carbon neutrality by 2050. Toyota has invested over 200 billion baht in Thailand over the past 64 years, operating three plants that together employ more than 13,000 staff and export to over 100 countries.
