MEGA Tech had the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with Mr. Yasuhiro Kondo, President and CEO of AZAPA Co., Ltd., a leading innovator of advanced technologies for modern industries. The company specializes in mobility solutions and integrated systems connecting energy and the enviromental technologies – areas that are increasingly shaping the global industrial landscape.
During this in-depth conversation, Mr. Kondo warmly shared the history and origins of the company “AZAPA was established in 2008 as a research and development company in the automotive field. Today, it stands as Japan’s only organization recognized as a “Tier 0.5” developer, a position that focuses on total system optimization-designing and integrating entire automotive control and performance systems, rather than simply improving individual components in isolation. From its research origins, AZAPA has steadily evolved into a full-scale vehicle development company, equipped with a robust manufacturing framework capable of supporting mass production of advanced vehicles.
In Japan, AZAPAʼs facilities are capable of fulfilling all requirements from major automotive manufacturers-from design and engineering to testing and production. The company excels in the efficient development and manufacturing of limited-edition vehicles, producing several hundred units with unmatched precision and quality. AZAPA has also expanded its technological frontier into autonomous driving and intelligent control systems for construction and agricultural machinery. Furthermore, the company designs integrated system solutions that encompass the entire mobility and industrial ecosystem—driving forward the vision of sustainable smart manufacturing and next-generation mobility”
AZAPA: Driving Thailand’s Transformation Toward Smart Manufacturing
AZAPAʼs expansion into Thailand marks a significant stra-tegic milestone. As Japanese automotive manufacturers face increasing pressure from the rapid market penetration of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), the key question is how Japanʼs automotive industry will respond to this transformation and convert emerging challenges into new opportunities. First, AZAPA is committed to supporting Thailandʼs transition toward smart manufacturing ecosystem. This initiative aims to address both the evolving challenges facing traditional industries and the growing concerns surrounding potential slowdowns in conventional manufacturing sectors. Second, AZAPA actively promotes the adoption of digital technologies across all business domains. In response to Thailandʼs fast-growing digital society, the integration of information technology with manufacturing processes is expected to elevate industrial capabilities to global standards and strengthen competitive-ness in international markets. Beyond delivering specialized technological solutions, AZAPA strives to develop and trans-fer comprehensive system-based technologies that enable continuous upgrading of Thailand’s economic structure. By empowering local industries to innovate independently and advance their manufacturing ecosystems, AZAPA aims to support Thailand in establishing itself as a leading industrial hub of the future within the ASEAN region.
Driving the Future of Mobility Through Sustainable and Market-Driven Innovation
Although we support efforts to mitigate long-term environmental impacts, achieving this goal requires careful consideration of market demands and overall economic direction, which must advance in parallel. Meaningful innovation today is not defined solely by cutting-edge technology, but by solutions that can be practically applied in daily life-ensuring no end user is left behind. A true reduction in reliance on fossil fuels can only be realized when energy infrastructure is effectively integrated with modern transportation systems. This synergy is the key to a sustainable transition toward a low-carbon society. For this reason, we aim to introduce pathways for the development of renewable-energy innovations that can be seamlessly incorporated into the mobility ecosystem of the future.
Meanwhile, Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming the global automotive landscape through strategies that combine cutting-edge technologies with cost-efficient mass production. Japan must re-evaluate these developments and redefine its industrial strategy-shifting from a product-centric mindset of “what we manufacture” to a customer-focused approach of “what value we deliver.”This strategic transformation will not only strengthen Japanʼs global competitiveness but also accelerate the evolution of Japanese manufacturing in Thailand. By creating higher local value and fostering industrial collaboration, Japan can play a pivotal role in advancing Thailandʼs industrial ecosystem. By transcending traditional perspectives, Japan will continue to stand as a global leader in innovation and technology-driving Thailandʼs transition toward a sustainable, self-reliant, and innovation-driven economy.
Driving Thailand’s EV Industry Toward Sustainable Growth with Japan’s Advanced Smart Technologies
Electric vehicles (EVs) represent advanced technology that can now be produced at accessible costs and are rapidly becoming the core of the global automotive industry. In the near future, many nations will develop domestic EV manufacturing capabilities to strengthen their economies and reduce dependence on foreign production.
In this context, Thailand must accelerate the establishment of a strong and sustainable EV production ecosystem to enhance its competitiveness and expand export opportunities across the ASEAN region.
Thailandʼs true potential does not lie merely in being a production base for foreign automakers, but in developing its own capability to “design and manufacture EVs with homegrown technologies.” This transformation will mark Thailandʼs evolution into an innovation-driven automotive nation. AZAPA is ready to support this ambition with our deep expertise in Inte-grated System Design, enabling the seamless fusion of automotive systems with digital and IT technologies. Unlike traditional component-based development, AZAPAʼs approach optimizes the entire vehicle system as a whole—driving forward comprehensive innovation and enabling the creation of next-generation EVs that truly meet market needs.
However, achieving such transformation is not determined by company size alone. True success requires specialized expertise, and only a “Tier 0.5” company like AZAPA possesses the capability to integrate design, control, and manufacturing systems into a unified process. With this strength, AZAPA stands ready to be a key enabler in advancing Thailandʼs EV industry toward a smarter, more sustainable future.
AZAPA @ SIMTEC Shares Vision and Strategic Roadmap to Advance Thailand’s IT and Industrial Infrastructure
Mr. Yasuhiro Kondo emphasized before concluding the interview “During the recent SIMTEC seminar, AZAPA reaffirmed its commitment to sharing its vision and strategic roadmap for advancing Thailandʼs information technology and industrial sectors. By integrating smart manufacturing technologies and clean energy solutions in close collaboration with both the government and the private industry, AZAPA aims to provide a comprehensive approach to industrial modernization. This initiative seeks to prevent economic slowdowns resulting from reduced industrial output while simultaneously accelerating the development of innovative IT and digital capabilities, supporting Thailandʼs transition toward a high-tech, sustainable economy. With support for investment in IT infrastructure and smart factory initiatives, AZAPAʼs efforts will not only enhance the production capabilities of Japanese manufacturers in Thailand but also enable global-scale industrial collaboration, fostering innovation and growth across borders. For these reasons, appointing AZAPA as a strategic partner in developing Thailandʼs industrial and IT infrastructure will establish new standards, strengthen competitiveness, and contribute to the countryʼs sustainable economic development”
Article by: MEGA Tech & AZAPA CO., LTD.<< Click Here