Daihatsu boosts RI presence

Daihatsu boosts RI presence

TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. will raise parts output at plants in Malaysia and Indonesia to overcome the impact of sharp currency depreciations there, a company spokesman said yesterday.

The affiliate of auto giant Toyota Motor Corp. plans to boost the ratio of locally produced parts to imports from 50 percent to 60 percent over the next 12 months in both countries, the spokesman said.

The company will boost the output of engine parts as well as die-casting in Indonesia, while aiming to increase the exports of Indonesian-made parts to Vietnam and China.

Its monthly production in Indonesia fell from 3,000 units at the beginning of 1997 to 1,300 units in December. Output for 1998 is yet to be decided.

"We will protect employment" in the countries by keeping up factory operations with increased parts production, the spokesman said.