Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions Asia Pacific inaugurates New Central Logistics Center in Thailand

• Schaeffler to operate its new Central Logistics Center from Thailand
• Logistics service provider Kuehne+Nagel takes over the operational activities in kitting as well as in goods receiving and shipping
• More services under one roof by Schaeffler REPXPERT & Schaeffler OneCode

Thailand | October 24, 2024 | Schaeffler, the motion technology company, proudly announces the inauguration of its new Central Logistics Center in Thailand, marking a significant milestone for Schaeffler’s Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division. The event held in Si Racha District, Chonburi, Thailand was celebrated with the presence of Mr. Jens Schüler, CEO Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions and business partners across the Asia Pacific region, underscoring the importance of this new facility.

The new facility in Thailand will assume primary responsibility for planning and controlling all processes in the areas of of Supply Chain Management, Operations and Quality in the Asia Pacific region. Spanning across 3,000 square meters and employing Schaeffler staff in core functions, this central logistics center is situated just 21 kilometers from Schaeffler Chonburi plant. The assembly and packaging center is designed to optimize logistic processes and increase delivery capacity.

“This new operating model in Thailand underlines our commitment to enhancing service quality and operational efficiency. With improved infrastructure and capabilities, the central logistics center will serve as a key supply hub for the Asia Pacific region. Additionally, we will introduce our Schaeffler service brand REPXPERT and the Schaeffler OneCode service solution to further boost our after-sales support. Our goal is to improve the accessibility and efficiency of spare parts distribution by increasing our focus on innovation, progress, and customer orientation”, says Mr. Micah Shepard, President of Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions Asia Pacific.

Kuehne+Nagel is the new partner at Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions Central Logistics Cetner in Thailand
“With Kuehne+Nagel we have an experienced and reliable partner for operational logistics at our new center in Thailand. Together, we want to ensure a consistently high delivery service level to our customers in the aftermarket," says Mr. Chatchawan Somjeen, Managing Director of Schaeffler Thailand and President of Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions Japan & Southeast Asia Pacific. Kuehne+Nagel is a global transport and logistics company based in Schindellegi, Switzerland. With more than 81,000 employees at over 1,300 locations in close to 100 countries, the Kuehne+Nagel Group is one of the world’s leading logistics companies.

Everything in one place: the Schaeffler OneCode
With the newly introduced Schaeffler OneCode, Schaeffler has developed a service solution that supports garages throughout Asia Pacific with vehicle repair. Scanning the QR code forwards the user directly to the product page in the Schaeffler Online Catalog or the REPXPERT app.

With a REPXPERT account, mechanics have access to up-to-date product information on the respective repair solution, step-by-step installation and repair instructions – all digitally, to save time searching around. Schaeffler OneCode also provides information about the product’s authenticity, creating additional security for trade partners and garages, stopping plagiarism in its tracks.

REPXPERT: services under one roof
Schaeffler’s REPXPERT brand offers garages all the services that come with its products and repair solutions in a single place. Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions offers this complete range of services – including an online portal, mobile application and the numerous training seminars held each year.

Extensive technical information and repair data, an overview of training courses, news and events are available to every website visitor. Registered users have even more functions on hand: they can access the complete aftermarket parts catalog with all manufacturer data and see their latest activities, such as recently selected products or vehicles. Garages have also access to the bonus program, the complete range of repair data including vehicle-specific repair and maintenance information (RMI) from TecAlliance.

Schaeffler Group – We pioneer motion 

The Schaeffler Group has been driving forward groundbreaking inventions and developments in the field of motion technology for over 75 years. With innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, chassis solutions and renewable energies, the company is a reliable partner for making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable – over the entire life cycle. Schaeffler describes its comprehensive range of products and services in the mobility ecosystem by means of eight product families: From bearing solutions and all types of linear guidance systems through to repair and monitoring services. Schaeffler is with around 120,000 employees and around 250 locations in 55 countries, one of the world’s largest family-owned companies and one of Germany’s most innovative companies.

Thai Honda Celebrates Historic Achievement: 'Kong-Somkiat' Chantra Becomes First Thai Rider to Compete Full-Time in MotoGP—A Dream Realized for the Thai People!

Thai Honda, a leader in the Thai motorsport industry, proudly announces a historic milestone: "Kong" Somkiat Chantra will be the first Thai rider to compete full-time in the prestigious MotoGP championship for the 2025 season. This achievement highlights the unwavering dedication of the "Honda Race to the Dream" project, which focuses on providing opportunities and fostering the development of new riders on the global stage.

Alongside this announcement, a special edition racing livery for Kong's bike has been unveiled, designed for his upcoming home race. Thai Honda invites fans to support Thai riders during the "PT Grand Prix of Thailand," which will take place at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram from October 25-27. Through various activities, fans will have the opportunity to engage and experience the excitement of this global event.

Thai Honda Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of Thailand (FMSCT), Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), Idemitsu Honda LCR, and Chang International Circuit, recently held a press conference to celebrate a significant achievement in Thai motorsports. This event highlighted the support for "Kong" Somkiat Chantra, who will make history as the first Thai rider to participate in the MotoGP World Championship for the 2025 season.

The press conference featured several distinguished figures, including Dr. Alaksh Phornprapha, Chairman of Thai Honda Co., Ltd.; Mr. Yuichi Shimizu, President of Thai Honda Co., Ltd.; Mr. Precha Lalun, Deputy Governor for Professional Sports and Boxing at the Sports Authority of Thailand; Mr. Thongchai Wongsawan, President of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of Thailand; Mr. Newin Chidchob, President of Chang International Circuit; Mr. Yuzuru Ishikawa, General Manager of the Motorcycle Racing Division at Honda Racing Corporation (HRC); Mr. Lucio Cecchinello, Team Manager of Idemitsu Honda LCR; and Mr. Yuichi Kujo, President of Apollo Oil (Thailand) Co., Ltd. All attendees expressed their commitment to providing comprehensive support for Thai riders.

Chantra began his dream of becoming a world-class rider by joining the Honda Racing School in 2007 at the age of nine. Within just five years, he garnered numerous accolades in motorcycle road racing in Thailand. This success led to an opportunity from Dorna, the organizer of global motorcycle racing, to enter the Road to MotoGP pathway through the Asia Talent Cup, a program aimed at developing young Asian riders.

In 2014, he advanced to compete at the world level in the Moto2 category in 2019 with the Idemitsu Honda Team Asia, continually enhancing his skills. Somkiat achieved his first victory in the World Grand Prix in 2022 in Indonesia. Since then, he has excelled, securing a total of six podium finishes and two victories. This impressive performance led to a significant opportunity, culminating in a contract with Idemitsu Honda LCR, a top team in MotoGP. In the 2025 season, he will make history as the first Thai rider to compete in the premier class, reaching the pinnacle of the "World Grand Prix" competition.

Mr. Yuichi Shimizu, President of Thai Honda Co., Ltd., stated, “Thai Honda is incredibly excited about the return of the Thai GP in Buriram, as this is the event of the year that everyone has been eagerly awaiting. It is a point of pride for Thai Honda to be part of this competition. We are ready to deliver an exceptional experience to Thai fans with two riders from the Honda Race to the Dream project participating: 'Kong' Somkiat Chantra in the Moto2 category and 'Gonz' Tatchakorn Buasri in the Moto3. We have also prepared exciting activities for fans to enjoy and to experience world-class motorsport together with us. Today, we take immense pride in congratulating the tremendous achievement of 'Kong' Somkiat Chantra, who has been given the opportunity to compete in MotoGP next year, making him the first Thai rider to participate at the highest level. Somkiat Chantra is truly a hero for the Thai people, and this is a source of pride for the entire nation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Sports Authority of Thailand, Buriram International Circuit, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of Thailand, our sponsors, and the media who have all contributed to making this success possible. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and Idemitsu Honda LCR for believing in Kong Somkiat Chantra as he pursues his dreams. Thai Honda stands ready to support him, and we will do our utmost to ensure his success in MotoGP.

The success of the Honda Race to the Dream project does not signify the end of our efforts. Thai Honda is dedicated to investing resources and efforts to develop new riders. We look forward to discovering and nurturing the next generation of stars who will follow in the footsteps of Somkiat Chantra. Thank you for your continued support and confidence in Honda. Together, we will continue to create new chapters in history.”

At the same time, the press conference surprised attendees with the unveiling of a special edition racing bike for the upcoming home race, the "PT Grand Prix of Thailand," featuring a unique design created by Honda R&D Southeast Asia. This design was inspired by "Kong" Somkiat Chantra's desire to express his identity as much as possible. Born in the Year of the Tiger, he named the bike "Roaring Tiger." In Thai culture, "tiger" symbolizes someone who stands out, while "roaring" signifies a declaration of strength and potential.

The design of the tiger pattern on the racing bike is based on three keywords: Strong, Dynamic, and Powerful. The color scheme incorporates black, white, and red to evoke an aggressive and powerful feel. The number 35 continues from the previous design, reflecting Thai identity and blending with the vibrant colors. This design also includes elements representing Chonburi, incorporating motifs from the city of Pattaya. Now, this "Tiger" is ready to pursue victory in the Thai GP with "Kong" Somkiat Chantra.

Honda is poised to provide Thai speed enthusiasts with an array of engaging activities at the upcoming Thai GP 2024. Key highlights will include an EV Shuttle service, transporting motorsport fans from the Welcome Area using Honda EV bikes. Additionally, the Honda stand will offer a comprehensive cheering experience for fans to collectively support Honda riders.

Special features will encompass an air-conditioned Honda Exhibition Hall, showcasing legendary World Champion racing vehicles from around the globe, including both on-road and off-road models. Fans will also have the opportunity to use the Moto Trainer, simulating the experience of riding like a professional.

A Meet & Greet session is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, October 26, featuring MotoGP riders Luca Marini, Joan Mir, Johann Zarco, and Takaaki Nakagami, along with beloved Thai riders "Kong" Somkiat Chantra and "Gonz" Tatchakorn Buasri.

Furthermore, the Honda Carnival will be filled with activities from Honda Wing Center, Honda BigBike, and CUB House, including a concert by The Joker Family, alongside a selection of local delicacies from Buriram, live music, and live football broadcasts. Special offerings for BigBike fans will include air-conditioned camper vans and various test rides of Honda BigBike and CUB House models. 

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