INDEPENDENT American vehicle importer Performax International will join an Austrade mission to Thailand next week, hoping to expand its specialised expertise into new business opportunities in South East Asia.

Australian Auto Week in Thailand, starting next Monday, will showcase Australian automotive capability in a series of events, seminars and factory visits.

Queensland-based Performax International produces more than 200 American-built performance vehicles for right-hand drive Australian registration every year.

It imports left-hand drive vehicles for resale and also converts customer-owned vehicles and over 25 years of operation has developed industry-leading conversion processes and quality.

A recently-launched Research and Development division in Minburi, near Bangkok, will be the base for Performax International’s expansion plans.

The company aims to develop supply chain connections and new markets in right-hand drive countries in Asia, Africa and the South Pacific.

General Manager Glenn Soper, who has had extensive experience in the Asian automotive industry, said the Austrade mission was a good opportunity to launch the new business.

"Our Thai operation will be a lower-cost centre for developing small-volume conversion components and marketing our expertise," Mr Soper said.

"We will be the only Queensland company participating in the mission and, unlike our fellow delegates, we are not primarily original equipment parts or aftermarket suppliers.

"Our core expertise is in converting new vehicles to right-hand drive to the highest possible engineering and finish-quality standards, using fully-developed production line systems in our own factory.

"And from this has come a much broader capability including compliancing services, CKD assembly, component development, research and development and training.

"We have much to offer original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers in Thailand and across the ASEAN region and look forward to contacting as many as possible during Australian Auto Week in Thailand."

For more information please contact: