In recent months, the NETA EV brand in Thailand, once hailed as a promising contender in the electric vehicle (EV) market, has found itself at the center of growing controversy. What started as excitement over affordable EV options has turned into widespread frustration among owners. From service center shutdowns to delayed vehicle registration and a lack of spare parts, customers across Thailand are voicing serious concerns about their NETA vehicles and the company’s after-sales support.
This developing situation has raised significant questions about the long-term viability of new EV brands in Thailand and the protections available to consumers investing in green technology.
The Rise of NETA in Thailand
NETA, a Chinese EV brand, made a strong entrance into the Thai market by offering competitively priced electric vehicles under the country’s EV promotional policy. With the help of government subsidies, NETA’s compact EVs became highly appealing to budget-conscious consumers looking for eco-friendly alternatives.
The launch of the NETA V and later the NETA V-II attracted strong demand. At one point, NETA EVs were among the most popular models in their price range. Thousands of units were sold, and the company announced plans to begin local production in Thailand to meet the requirements of the EV incentive scheme.
However, problems began to emerge shortly after delivery.
Mounting Customer Complaints
Thai consumers began filing complaints with consumer advocacy organizations, citing numerous unresolved issues. A growing number of owners report being stuck with defective or inoperable vehicles while waiting weeks or even months for spare parts. Others say their cars remain unregistered, with temporary plates long expired.
A large part of the frustration stems from three key areas:
1. Delays in Registration
Many customers who purchased NETA vehicles early on have yet to receive their permanent white license plates. This has caused legal and logistical headaches for owners, as vehicles without proper registration face restrictions on use and may not be fully covered by insurance.
Despite assurances that the matter would be resolved, customers say the delays have dragged on with little communication or progress.
2. Shortage of Spare Parts
Perhaps the most critical issue facing NETA owners is the widespread shortage of spare parts—particularly drivetrain and electrical components. When problems occur, authorized service centers often cannot perform repairs due to a lack of available parts. As a result, vehicles are left out of service for extended periods.
In some cases, customers have turned to third-party garages in desperation, risking their warranty and potentially compromising vehicle safety.
3. Service Center Closures
NETA’s dealer and service center network in Thailand has also been shrinking. Several centers have reportedly closed or reduced operations due to financial difficulties, staffing issues, or disagreements with the parent company. This has made it harder for customers to access maintenance or support, especially those living outside major urban areas.
Some customers report being turned away from service centers entirely, while others say their calls and emails go unanswered.
Dealer and Industry Concerns
The problems are not limited to individual consumers. Dealers who partnered with NETA are also sounding the alarm, with reports of unpaid commissions and subsidies. Many are stuck with unsold stock or parts they cannot return, further weakening confidence in the brand.
There are also concerns about the company’s ability to meet the local production targets required by Thailand’s EV subsidy program. If these conditions are not met, the government may consider withdrawing support or enforcing penalties.
This uncertainty has placed additional pressure on the already fragile network of dealerships and service centers, pushing some to consider ending their relationship with NETA altogether.
Calls for Government Action
Amid the mounting dissatisfaction, consumer advocates and owners have issued several demands to the company and government. These include:
- Immediate restoration of spare parts availability and after-sales service
- Completion of registration for all affected vehicles
- Delivery of missing accessories, such as charging cables and user manuals
- Financial compensation for delays and service disruptions
- Reopening of closed service centers across provinces
- Assurance that warranty repairs will be honored within a fixed timeline
- A buy-back option for vehicles in cases where proper servicing cannot be provided
Consumer groups are urging Thai authorities to step in and ensure NETA Thailand addresses these issues responsibly. There are also calls for tighter regulation and oversight of EV companies entering the local market.
The Bigger Picture: Trust in EV Transition
The NETA situation is casting a shadow over Thailand’s broader EV adoption goals. The country has committed to becoming a regional hub for EV manufacturing and aims to increase electric vehicle usage dramatically over the next decade.
But incidents like this threaten to undermine public confidence. For many first-time EV buyers, their experience with NETA will shape their views on electric mobility going forward. If left unresolved, these issues could deter future customers from considering EVs altogether.
This is particularly concerning for a market that relies heavily on public trust and infrastructure development to drive adoption.
What Happens Next?
NETA Thailand has yet to fully respond to the scale of the complaints, though internal restructuring efforts and meetings with government agencies are reportedly underway. Some customers are hopeful that the situation can still be salvaged, while others are already considering legal action or selling their vehicles at a loss.
As EV technology becomes more mainstream, this case serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights the need for robust consumer protections, reliable service networks, and transparent communication from automakers—especially newer entrants in competitive markets like Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
The NETA EV controversy is a significant moment for Thailand’s electric vehicle journey. While the brand entered the market with promise and government backing, it is now grappling with service failures, logistical delays, and a breakdown of customer trust.
Whether NETA can recover will depend on swift action, meaningful support for affected customers, and improved operational transparency. For now, Thai EV owners and industry watchers alike are keeping a close eye on what comes next.
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