Automobile manufacturer Nissan Motor Asia Pacific has expanded the Nissan Technical Centre South East Asia (NTCSEA) in Bangkok, Thailand with a total investment of about JPY3.4bn ($34.48m).
The amount was used in the opening of a new test track and a new office building at the NTCSEA in order to strengthen the manufacturer's capabilities in research and development (R&D) in the ASEAN region.
Nissan Motor senior vice president Atsushi Shizuta said the expansion of NTCSEA marks an important step in strengthening the foundation for the company's growth objectives outlined in its mid-term business plan.
"As a regional R&D hub in Thailand, NTCSEA will enhance product attractiveness, competitiveness and quality," Shizuta added.
Located on Bangna-Trad Road, the new 60,000sqm test track is the company's third test facility outside Japan after the Arizona Test Center and the Aguascalientes Test Track in the US as well as the first in Asia.
The new test track can replicate 14 global road conditions and accommodate a maximum speed of 120kmh in straight line, while various tests can be performed at the 100m diameter multi-purpose pad.
The new office building will act as new home for the region's Monozukuri team, whose members are responsible for creative design and manufacturing.
According to the company, the new office building features eco-friendly functions that reduce the CO2 emission by over 40% in order to decrease its total corporate carbon footprint.
