OCPB Investigates NETA Thailand After Chinese Parent Company Bankruptcy Filing, Assures Protection for Over 20,000 Consumers

Brickinfo News Agency – The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) has initiated an on-site investigation into NETA (Thailand) Co., Ltd. following the bankruptcy filing of its parent company, Zhejiang Hozon New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd., in China. The investigation aims to establish measures to protect more than 20,000 Thai consumers who own NETA electric vehicles.

Mr. Anuphong Charoenwet, Director of Consumer Protection Division 2, stated on the Thai PBS program “Stations for the People” that OCPB officials opted for an on-site inspection of NETA (Thailand) rather than summoning the company’s representatives. This approach was chosen to gather more comprehensive facts. Officials are currently at the company to follow up on prior complaints from consumers in early June. These complaints primarily concern the availability of spare parts and CDU (Control Display Unit) modules, as well as the transition of vehicle registrations from temporary red plates to permanent white plates, which dealers have reportedly completed.

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Regarding the new development of the parent company’s bankruptcy in China, Mr. Anuphong acknowledged that despite NETA (Thailand) being a separate legal entity, the situation undeniably impacts consumer confidence in NETA vehicles in Thailand.

The OCPB will continue to investigate NETA (Thailand)’s business operations in the country and its strategies for addressing existing consumer issues. The OCPB also plans to assess the company’s contingency plans should it decide to cease operations in Thailand.

“For consumer confidence in the country, even in the worst-case scenario where operations in Thailand cease, the OCPB would require NETA to implement measures to take care of its customers,” Mr. Anuphong stated.

“This includes addressing the remaining warranty periods for all 20,000 vehicles sold through dealers and outlining how this will be handled. If they continue operations, we need a clear timeline. NETA had previously indicated its intention to continue business in Thailand, but with the news from China, we are now investigating.”

The OCPB is prepared to take legal action on behalf of consumers if NETA fails to resolve these issues, including allowing third-party repairs and seeking reimbursement from the company.

Currently, the investigation is ongoing, with OCPB officials remaining at NETA (Thailand). The OCPB will promptly inform the public of any significant developments or clarifications.