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Automotive

Automotive

Key Contacts

Cambodia

Indonesia

Laos

Myanmar

Thailand

Vietnam

Jay Cohen

     +855 23 964 210

     [email protected]

David Mol

     +855 23 964 210

     [email protected]

Wongrat Ratanaprayul

     +6221 2971 8099

     [email protected]

Irene Djalim

     +6221 2971 8001

     [email protected]

Prisna Sungwanna

     +66 2056 5656

     [email protected]

Yuwadee Thean-ngarm

     +95 9 772 440 002

     [email protected]

Derrick Khoo

     +66 2056 5618 (TH) , +95 9 782 655 556 (MM)

     [email protected]

Charunun Sathitsuksomboon

     +66 2056 5541

     [email protected]

Sukontip Jitmongkolthong

     +66 2056 5867

     [email protected]

Kien Trung Trinh

     +84 24 3772 5567

     [email protected]

OVERVIEW

Driving growth across Southeast Asia for leading players in the global automotive industry.

Tilleke & Gibbins acts for clients across the automotive value chain, from upstream automotive and automotive parts manufacturers to downstream automotive distribution and sales dealerships, offering a one-stop service for a full range of legal matters in Southeast Asia.

At the start, our multidisciplinary team helps automotive industry players structure and implement market entry models, including assisting with M&A transactions and joint ventures, obtaining licenses and investment incentives, and protecting valuable designs, patents, and trademarks. For manufacturers, we also regularly assist with land acquisition and factory construction in industrial estates and special economic zones. Once companies are set up and operating, we continue to work closely with our clients to maintain regulatory compliance across the region, advising on antitrust and trade competition, employment, import and export, tax, and other general corporate matters. And when complications occur, we also represent automotive clients in dispute resolution, including commercial and IP litigation, product liability claims, and class actions.

Our full-service legal expertise enables clients to capitalize on opportunities for success in the region, driving growth across Southeast Asia for leading players in the global automotive industry.

Case Studies
Global | Automotive | Patent, Trademark

Global IP Portfolio Management across 98 Countries Worldwide

Appointed to manage the full global IP portfolio for Sundaram Clayton, a leading supplier of aluminum and magnesium castings to the automotive industry. Notably, the portfolio includes over 2,000 trademarks and more than 400 patents in 98 countries worldwide.

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Thailand | Automotive | Dispute Resolution

Successful Representation in Product Recall Case

Represented the Thai subsidiary of a major Japanese automaker on a number of claims related to allegedly defective airbags. Through our strong representation, all cases were tactically settled for a nominal amount.

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Thailand | Automotive | Real Estate

USD 3.2 Million Land Acquisition for Factory in Thailand

Assisted Precious Dragon Technology (Thai) Limited, the wholly-owned Thai subsidiary of a Hong Kong-listed automotive aerosol product manufacturer in its THB 100 million (approx. USD 3.2 million) land acquisition in Thailand.

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Experience

  • Advised Volvo Group on the Thai elements of its global strategic alliance with Isuzu Motors in respect of commercial vehicles, which included Isuzu Motor’s JPY 243 billion acquisition of Volvo Group’s UD Trucks.
  • Retained to assist a European automotive manufacturer with a full range of matters relating to its operations in Thailand, including assisting with the acquisition of land and construction of a factory, obtaining licenses from the Thai Board of Investment (BOI) and other government agencies, and advising on tax matters.
  • Engaged to assist an automotive parts manufacturer with the establishment of a subsidiary and factory in Vietnam to produce and export automotive safety products. Among other things, we assisted the client with company formation, negotiating and reviewing land documents/agreements, meeting with local authorities, and preparing and applying for the Investment Registration Certificate and Enterprise Registration Certificate.
  • Assisted an American multinational automotive manufacturing company with the sale of its two manufacturing plants in Thailand following the winding down of its local operations.
  • Retained by a world-leading EV company to provide ongoing legal advice in connection with its entrance and ongoing operations in the Thai market. Our team handled a full range of legal work for the client, including company establishment, obtaining benefits under the Thailand-U.S. Treaty of Amity, advising on obtaining licenses and incentives from the Thai BOI, applying for a direct marketing license, preparing a land and building lease agreement, and reviewing and localizing more than 10 commercial contracts for its local operations.
  • Retained by numerous world-leading multinational automotive companies to assist with the prosecution and enforcement of designs, patents, and trademarks across Southeast Asia.
  • Advised a British multinational automotive company on the proposed offering of eSim-based solutions in vehicles sold in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, including extensive advice on permanent establishment risks.
  • Successfully represented a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles in a rare cross-class trademark opposition against an application for the protection of a mark that was confusingly similar to our client’s mark in a different class.
  • Obtained judgments in favor of an American automaker against seven product liability claims made by plaintiffs in Thailand. Owing to our arguments and evidence, the court ruled that the vehicles were safe products under the Product Liability Act.
  • Advised a well-known EV manufacturer on the most appropriate business model for entering the Vietnam market, including advice on issues related to renewable energy generation and storage.
  • Retained to assist a Japanese multinational automotive group in reviewing and amending its template distribution agreement, which forms the basis for the distribution framework with its local partner in Laos.
  • Successfully represented a European luxury car manufacturer in bringing a civil suit against an unaffiliated Thai secondhand car dealer for unauthorized use of our client’s trade name, trademark, and service mark.
  • Advised a German auto parts manufacturer on various financing options for the possible acquisition, via a holding company, of a Vietnamese target company, including advice on Vietnamese regulatory requirements on the transfer of funds for operational financing via shareholder loans or cash pooling.
  • Successfully represented BMW in a domain name dispute case against a Vietnamese individual who had registered three domain names incorporating our client’s well-known “BMW” trademark. Our argument led the HCMC Court to order the cyber squatter to surrender the domain names to our client and pay legal fees.
  • Represented a Japanese automotive manufacturer in defense against a product liability claim concerning an airbag that failed to deploy. Due to our representation, the claim was settled in favor of our client in court and the client was not required to initiate a product recall.

PROFESSIONALS

RELATED INSIGHTS

July 23, 2025
On July 4, 2025, Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) issued two significant notifications that introduce new compliance requirements for ride-hailing platforms operating in the country. The notifications formally designate these platforms as high-impact digital services under section 18(3) of the Royal Decree on Digital Platform Service Businesses and impose a comprehensive set of additional operational obligations. These measures are designed to address regulatory gaps and enhance oversight of digital platforms providing public passenger vehicle or motorcycle ride-hailing services. First, the Notification on the Designation of Ride-Hailing Platforms under section 18(3) formally designates all ride-hailing platforms that have notified the ETDA of their operations as high-impact digital platform services under section 18(3) of the royal decree. Unlike high-risk marketplace platforms, which are named individually, any ride-hailing platform that has notified the ETDA of its operations is automatically subject to these new requirements. Next, the Notification on Additional Obligations for Ride-Hailing Platforms imposes further obligations on ride-hailing platforms, supplementing the general requirements under section 21 of the royal decree. These notifications will come into force 90 days from their publication in the Government Gazette. New Compliance Obligations The new regulatory framework introduces a range of operational, technical, and reporting requirements for ride-hailing platforms, particularly concerning the issues described below. Vehicle and Driver Compliance Operators must: Ensure that all vehicles used on the platform are registered as public vehicles in accordance with Department of Land Transport requirements Verify all drivers hold valid public driving licenses Collect service fees in compliance with applicable fare regulations under the Vehicle Law Digital Platform Features and User Verification Operators must implement robust digital platform features for both drivers and riders, including: Comprehensive identity verification and confirmation processes for drivers and riders, utilizing both face-to-face and non-face-to-face methods, including biometric and digital ID checks Real-time GPS
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July 18, 2025
Vietnam’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a strong wave of new legislation, strategic plans, and government incentives. The government’s clear commitment to electrification is attracting foreign investment, supporting advanced production, and reducing reliance on internal combustion engine (ICE) imports. Recent national strategies, sector regulations, and technical standards demonstrate a rare level of regulatory momentum in Southeast Asia, positioning Vietnam as a competitive player in the global EV supply chain and an attractive market for foreign investors. An overview of legal developments for the EV sector in Vietnam is presented below. National Action Program for Green Transportation A key driver of Vietnam’s EV growth has been the National Action Program for Green Transportation through 2050 stipulated in Decision No. 876/QD-TTg of the prime minister dated July 22, 2022. The National Action Program sets a detailed roadmap for the green energy transition in road transport. For the period 2022–2030, the focus is on promoting the manufacturing, assembly, import, and conversion of road motor vehicles to electric power, expanding the use of 100% E5 gasoline for road vehicles, developing charging infrastructure to meet the needs of residents and businesses, and encouraging both new and existing bus stations and rest stops to meet green criteria. For the period 2031–2050, the roadmap aims to gradually restrict and ultimately cease by 2040 the manufacturing, assembly, and import of fossil fuel-powered cars, motorcycles, and mopeds for domestic use. By 2050, the goal is for 100% of road motor vehicles and construction vehicles participating in traffic to use electricity or green energy, for all bus stations and rest stops to meet green criteria, and for all machinery and equipment for loading and unloading to transition from fossil fuels to electricity or green energy. The program also calls for the completion of nationwide
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June 12, 2025
Thailand’s Ministry of Finance has issued a royal decree placing the business of hire purchase and leasing of cars and motorcycles under the scope of the Financial Institution Business Act B.E. 2551 (2008), effective December 2, 2025. This is to ensure appropriate regulatory oversight of these business activities, as they function similarly to credit granting and serve as a source of funding for the public with a broad impact on the overall economic system and consumers at large. The business operators that this royal decree applies to include corporate entities engaging regularly in the business of hire purchase or leasing of cars or motorcycles, currently excluding: Financial institutions and specialized financial institutions. Individuals operating such businesses (noncorporate entities). Cooperatives. Key regulatory obligations of this royal decree include the following: Business operators must disclose interest rates, service fees, and other relevant business information to the public and report to the Bank of Thailand (BOT). Business operators must display how the annual percentage rate (APR), including all annual charges covering interest and service fees, is calculated. Business operators must maintain accurate accounting records in accordance with recognized accounting standards. The BOT may issue warnings or suspend operations if business operators fail to comply with this royal decree or act unfairly in a way that may result in serious harm to customers. Directors, managers, and responsible persons of any business operator that violates this royal decree may also be subject to the prescribed penalties. Before the royal decree takes effect, business operators should conduct internal assessments and engage with counsel to prepare for regulatory implementation. The BOT is expected to issue further subordinate regulations and guidance regarding: Interest, service fees, deposits, collateral, benefits, and penalties that may be charged by business operators. Contract content, methods of benefit calculation, and format in conducting
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June 11, 2025
Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce has established new regulatory measures for importing electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a pilot project running from January 2025 to March 31, 2026, while the Ministry of Planning and Finance has reduced customs duty rates for fuel-powered vehicles manufactured domestically under semi-knocked down (SKD) and completely knocked down (CKD) systems, effective June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. Importation of EVs On May 29, 2025, Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) issued an announcement regarding the importation of EVs from abroad as part of its pilot project, detailed in MOC Notification No. 40/2025. The MOC notification establishes the following regulatory measures to support the development of EVs and related businesses: Approval must be obtained from the National-Level Steering Committee for the Development of Electric Vehicles and Related Enterprises. A registration certificate for an EV sales showroom must be secured. Vehicles must be imported in accordance with the permitted number and standards defined by the National-Level Steering Committee for the Development of Electric Vehicles and Related Enterprises. The importing company must provide necessary arrangements for warranties on imported EVs, spare parts, and after-sales services. For companies wishing to open a sales showroom, the following requirements apply: The company must be a registered national or joint venture entity with the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration. The company must be officially appointed as a distributorship or dealership by the original company or regional office for each brand. A permit from the respective state or regional government and a business license from the respective Municipal Committee must be obtained. The company must provide evidence of tax clearance issued by the Internal Revenue Department. Standards for the showroom, building, and warehouse, as issued periodically by the MOC, must be adhered to, including: Compound area: 10,000 square feet (the total
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AWARDS & RANKINGS
September 12, 2025
The 2025/2026 edition of the IFLR1000 Asia-Pacific rankings, released by International Financial Law Review (IFLR), highlights Tilleke & Gibbins’ continued excellence in financial and corporate transactional work. The firm has maintained its strong rankings across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas while achieving notable upgrades and new recognitions, reaffirming its position as a leading firm in the Asia-Pacific region. This year, Tilleke & Gibbins received firmwide rankings in key jurisdictions, including: Thailand Banking & Finance—Tier 3 Capital Markets: Debt—Tier 3 Capital Markets: Equity—Tier 3 M&A—Tier 2 Project Development—Tier 2 Restructuring & Insolvency—Tier 3 Vietnam Banking & Finance—Tier 4 M&A—Tier 3 Project Development—Tier 3 Cambodia Financial & Corporate—Tier 2 Project Development—Tier 2 Laos Financial & Corporate—Tier 2 In addition to these firmwide rankings, Tilleke & Gibbins had several standout individual recognitions, with 12 lawyers honored in the 2025/2026 individual rankings—an increase from last year’s 10. This year’s results include upgraded rankings for John Frangos and new rankings for Charupat Boon-Long, Derrick Khoo, Prisna Sungwanna, and Saravut Krailadsiri. The full list is as follows: Charunun Sathitsuksomboon—Highly Regarded, M&A, Thailand; Women Leader Charupat Boon-Long—Rising Star, M&A, Thailand (new ranking) David Mol—Rising Star, Corporate and M&A, Cambodia Derrick Khoo—Rising Star (Partner), Financial and Corporate, Thailand (new ranking) Jay Cohen—Highly Regarded, Banking, Cambodia John Frangos—Highly Regarded, Restructuring & Insolvency, Thailand (upgraded ranking) Niti Muangkote—Rising Star, Financial & Corporate and Project Development, Laos; Highly Regarded, Banking & Finance, Thailand Prisna Sungwanna—Highly Regarded, Financial & Corporate, Laos (new ranking) Saithong Rattana—Notable Practitioner, Project Development and M&A, Laos Santhapat Periera—Highly Regarded, Banking & Finance and M&A, Laos; Highly Regarded, Banking & Finance, Thailand Saravut Krailadsiri—Notable Practitioner, Thailand (new ranking) Tram Ngoc Bich Nguyen—Highly Regarded, M&A, Vietnam To see the full set of IFLR1000 rankings for Tilleke & Gibbins’ jurisdictions, please see the Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam pages
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September 3, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins is honored to announce that the firm has been shortlisted for three prestigious categories at the Asialaw Awards 2025. This year’s shortlist reflects the outstanding work of the firm’s teams across Southeast Asia and highlights their ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional client service in the region. In the firmwide category, Tilleke & Gibbins was nominated for: Cambodia Firm of the Year Laos Firm of the Year In the individual category, Prisna Sungwanna was shortlisted for Laos Female Lawyer of the Year, joining an impressive field of nominees from other leading firms. The Asialaw Awards celebrate the most outstanding firms and lawyers across the Asia-Pacific region. The 2025 winners are set to be announced at an awards ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City in November. For more information on the Asialaw Awards 2025 and to browse a full list of the nominees, please visit the Asialaw website.
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July 21, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins has been nominated for Southeast Asian Firm of the Year at Law.com’s Asia Legal Awards 2025. This nomination follows the firm’s win last year and reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional legal services across the region. The winner will be announced at the in-person awards ceremony in Singapore on September 10, 2025. For more information on the Asia Legal Awards 2025, and to browse the full list of nominees in all categories, please visit the Law.com International website.
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May 13, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins has been recognized in the In-House Community (IHC) Firms of the Year 2024, earning accolades across 19 categories in Thailand and Vietnam. The results, based on surveys of in-house counsel across Asia, reflect client perspectives on the quality and responsiveness of legal services in key practice areas. The firm received 11 Firm of the Year awards and two honorable mentions in Thailand, along with six Firm of the Year awards in Vietnam. Notably, Tilleke & Gibbins was named “Most Responsive International Law Firm” in both jurisdictions—an acknowledgment that underscores the firm’s longstanding commitment to client service. Firm of the Year – Thailand Most Responsive International Law Firm Antitrust/Competition Banking and Finance Employment Energy and Projects Intellectual Property International Arbitration Litigation and Dispute Resolution Real Estate and Construction Taxation Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Honorable Mention: Capital Markets Honorable Mention: Corporate and M&A Firm of the Year – Vietnam Most Responsive International Law Firm Employment Intellectual Property International Arbitration Litigation and Dispute Resolution Technology, Media, and Telecommunications The IHC Firms of the Year rankings are determined through responses from thousands of in-house counsel and corporate decision-makers in Asia and the Middle East. Tilleke & Gibbins is honored to receive this recognition from the clients and peers it serves across the region.
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