The new global compact. Click to enlarge.

At the same time, Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd said that the model will qualify an “Eco-car” under Thai policy—and be the first one produced. Honda is slated to begin production of its qualifying Eco-car in 2010 also, according to Frost and Sullivan.

Thai Eco-car policy, outlined by the Thailand Board of Investment in 2007, became effective 1 October and is designed to help Thailand cross the 2-million unit per year production mark through the support of “Eco cars” as another “Product Champion” category.

Thailand’s first product champion—the one-ton pick-up—has seen sales dwindling over the past few years.

Benefits to manufacturers of the Eco-car program are:

• 8-year exemption on machinery duty import and corporate income tax.
• Up to 90% reduction of import duties on raw materials and parts, depending on type of product.

For Eco-car qualification, the manufacturers must hit production of 100,000 units on the fifth year with a minimum investment of 5 billion baht (US$149 million, €102 million). The vehicle must meet the Eco-car specifications:

• Fuel consumption (gasoline or diesel) equal to or less than 5.0L/100km (47 mpg US);
• CO₂ emissions equal to or less than 120 g/km;
• Meet Euro 4 pollution standard; and
• Satisfy passenger safety standards for both front and side impact as specified by UNECE Reg. 94 and Reg. 95 respectively.