Mitsubishi opened the third Thai plant and announced new compact

The global small car is based on a new Mitsubishi compact platform in the 1.0-to-1.2-liter class. Japanese automaker said they are going to add a pure electric version finally. The entry-level car will be launched next year in Japan. In Thailand, it will match to the government's Eco-Car strategy, which will qualify it for a lower tax rate.

The new Thai manufacture, which is nearby to the company's other two factories in Chonburi province about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok, will have an initial annual production capacity of 150 000 units. Currently Mitsubishi assembles here the Lancer, Space Wagon, Pajero Sport and Triton (L200).

The company is thinking to export more than half the factory's output to such countries as China and other markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Executives said versions of the global small compact could be built in such countries as Brazil, India and China