Ford's sales in Thailand began in 1913 with the
Model T, and in 1961 Ford began assembling vehicles there. "Anglo-Thai Motors Company", Ford's distributor (which sold
Ford Europe and
Ford Australia products), announced in 1960 that it would build a factory in the country, with "Thai Motor Company" the result. This was the first time cars had been built in Thailand:
Ford Capris and
Cortinas were assembled locally using components from the UK. Mazda first began exporting utility vehicles to Thailand in 1950. In 1974 "Sukosol & Mazda Motor Industry" was founded, opening Mazda's first knock-down assembly plant in 1975. Ford brought Thai Motor under its corporate umbrella in 1973, but closed the factory just three years later. Ford's presence returned in 1985 with the formation of the "New Era Company" to sell cars and trucks in the country. Construction on the AutoAlliance plant began on 28 November 1995, and the plant began mass production on 29 May 1998. The grand opening ceremony on 1 July 1998, was attended by
Chuan Leekpai, the then-prime minister of Thailand. == Ford Thailand Manufacturing ==