Changan Automobile has made a significant move by opening its first overseas electric vehicle (EV) plant in Thailand. This development marks the latest in a series of Chinese automakers venturing into production in the Southeast Asian country.
The newly inaugurated plant, situated in Rayong, Thailand, commenced operations on May 16 and witnessed the rollout of its maiden vehicle. The vehicle produced is a right-hand drive version of the S05 model from Deepal, Changan’s new energy vehicle (NEV) unit. This milestone production also marked the 28.59 millionth vehicle manufactured by Changan.
Rayong, known as a port and industrial city in eastern Thailand, has already attracted other Chinese automakers like BYD and GAC, who have established their manufacturing facilities in the region. Changan’s Thai plant, whose construction began in November 2023 with an investment of about $300 million, boasts an initial annual production capacity of 100,000 units. The company plans to gradually increase this capacity to 200,000 units in the future.
Changan is also looking to set up research and development (R&D) and after-sales service systems in Thailand, with an overall planned investment of 30 billion baht. The plant will produce vehicles under Changan’s various brands, including Changan, Deepal, and Avatr. Over the next three years, Changan aims to introduce 12 NEV models in Southeast Asian markets.
Already, Changan has launched seven models, such as the Deepal S07 and Avatr 11, in the Thai market. With a significant presence in the Middle East and Africa markets since 1994, the automaker has steadily expanded its sales network to cover countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Changan has set an ambitious sales target of exceeding five million units globally by 2030, with an aim to achieve 1.5 million in overseas sales.
The move by Changan to establish a production base in Thailand reflects its strategic vision for expanding its international footprint and catering to the growing demand for electric vehicles in the region. With an array of NEV models lined up for launch and a strong commitment to innovation and customer service, Changan is poised to make a significant impact in the global automotive market.
