Abstract:
To study the market structure of Thai motorcycle parts industry and to investigate factors affecting the industries competitiveness. Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) indices and Diamond Model are being used to evaluate the potential of Thai motorcycle parts industry. To analyze factors affecting the industry competitiveness, a Linear Regression Model is being used. The study results show that Thai 1) new pneumatic tires for motorcycles have potential competition in Japan, Malaysia, and France markets 2) inner tubes for motorcycles have potential competition in Japan, Malaysia, and USA markets 3) saddles for motorcycles have potential competition in Italy, but not in UK and USA markets. 4) Other parts and accessories for motorcycles have potential competition in Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia markets. For factors affecting the competitiveness of 1) new pneumatic tires for motorcycle are average wage, market share in previous time, and financial crises 2) inner tubes are gross domestic product per capita, average wage, and exchange rate 3) other parts and accessories of motorcycle are gross domestic product per capita, exchange rate, average wage, and local content requirements. The Diamond Model analysis shows that some barriers to the development of the motorcycle parts industry in Thailand are the lack of skilled labor, research and development and testing equipment. Part suppliers lack standards and efficiency in the manufacturing.