Three-wheel specialist rolls out variety

18/02/2010
Bangkok Post

A local maker of motorised commercial three-wheelers will launch additional models this year to cover varying consumer needs.

Kusamai Motor Co first built motorised tricycles under the Sumota brand late last year to serve people in the countryside and farms to carry farm products.

Initially, the tricycles were imported to test the market and received a warm welcome. Later, the company decided to assemble the tricycles locally using 70% parts and components from Japan and 30% from Thailand.

The tricycles are assembled at a small factory between Bang Khun Thian and Samut Sakhon.

At the start, 50 units for one model with beds built in the rear of the vehicles were produced per month. Production will be increased to 80-100 units in April.

Managing director Viroj Kusolmanomai said the company would launch several new models this year to cover differing applications needed by consumers. Besides carrying farm products, new models will also be equipped to carry extra passengers, cargo and food, to store fresh products and for firefighting.

All tricycles will be powered by 200cc engines that are normally used in big bikes and an axle system similar to those used in six-wheel trucks. The strong and durable suspension system is reinforced with quality steel leaf springs and shock absorbers.

An empty tricycle can go 80-90 kilometres per hour, but is limited to 40-60 km per hour with one tonne of cargo.

The rear bed is 1.2 metres wide and 1.8 metres long, capable of carrying one tonne of cargo or storing three cubic metres of cargo 1.6 metres high.

Mr Viroj said the company planned to set up dealers to cover all 76 provinces nationwide over the next three years, but for this year 20 dealers will be appointed to 20 provinces.The tricycles will start from 89,000 baht, five times lower than pickup trucks but 20% more than motorcycles, he said. He is aiming for 500 units sold this year.

The company also plans to export to Laos, Burma, Cambodia, India and Bangladesh.

Mr Viroj said the tricycles are built as multi-purpose vehicles and to serve special groups, especially farmers, by focusing on vehicle strength while dropping unneeded components and accessories to keep costs low and the weight light.