ChangAn Automobile's Rayong Factory in Thailand Officially Launches Production, Boosting the Kingdom's Drive to Become a Southeast Asian Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Hub

RAYONG, Thailand, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ChangAn Automobile ("ChangAn" or "the Company"), an intelligent low-carbon mobility technology company, officially commenced production at its first international new energy vehicle factory in Rayong, Thailand on May 16, 2025. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, ChangAn's 28.59-millionth vehicle successfully rolled off the production line on the day. The factory boosts Thailand's push to build a Southeast Asian EV hub and strengthens China-Thailand automotive cooperation. It accelerates ChangAn's Vast Ocean Plan by exporting whole industries, showcasing the Company's global expansion potential and positioning Thailand as a launchpad for sustainable growth and Chinese innovation worldwide.

According to ASEAN Briefing, Thailand is the largest automobile manufacturer and exporter in Southeast Asia, with the automotive sector contributing 10-11% of its GDP. The Thai government actively promotes the development of the electric vehicle industry and plans to achieve 30% electric vehicle production of total automobile production by 2030. ChangAn's investment of 10 billion baht into the Rayong Plant is a direct response to the growing demand for electric vehicles in Thailand and across ASEAN.

Spanning 245 rai (approximately 392,000 square metres), the Rayong Factory features five main workshops. Based on a "green and intelligent" design concept, the facility uses daylight optimisation, solar power, and water recycling to achieve lower energy consumption per vehicle. Advanced automation and digital simulations boost production efficiency and flexibility. Marking a key step in ChangAn's globalisation, future plans include improving processes, enhancing local partnerships, and deepening Sino-Thai cooperation in sustainable mobility and innovation.

In August 2023, ChangAn established three subsidiaries and named Thailand as its regional headquarters. In October, the Thai Investment Committee approved investment for new energy vehicle production, including pure electric and extended-range models. In November 2023, ChangAn broke ground on the Rayong Factory, officially starting construction. Committed to long-term localisation, ChangAn aims to build the Rayong Plant into a benchmark for its global manufacturing network. The factory will produce models from its three major brands, CHANG-AN, DEEPAL, and AVATR. Production capacity is set to grow from 100,000 vehicles annually to 200,000 by 2027.

On launch day, ChangAn's 28.59-millionth vehicle — a right-hand-drive DEEPAL S05 — rolled off its assembly line, bringing new technological intelligence to Thai and global drivers alike. Models such as the DEEPAL S07, E07, and AVATR 11 have already launched in Thailand, with cumulative sales exceeding 14,000 units and placing ChangAn among the top four in the country's NEV market.

ChangAn adheres to the principle of "In Thailand, For Thailand" as it expands across Southeast Asia. A Thai spare parts warehouse will be established in Rayong as the global right-hand-drive parts centre, aiming for 98% satisfaction and 24-hour delivery. Local digital platforms will be upgraded with AI-powered smart control, predictive maintenance, battery monitoring, and remote diagnostics. The Company also expects to create over 30,000 upstream and downstream jobs in Thailand through industrial development and social responsibility initiatives.

ChangAn's Vast Ocean Plan continues to accelerate its global expansion, with operations now spanning five major international markets that have been elevated to the same strategic level as China, aiming to grow global market capacity from 30 to  50 million. The Company has filed over 14,000 patents in the past three years—70% of which are for inventions—reflecting its strong R&D capabilities. With nine KD plants and one full vehicle plant already operational, ChangAn is building a robust global production network in countries such as Kazakhstan and Egypt. It has also launched its brand in 22 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, supported by over 9,000 sales outlets worldwide. ESG investments exceed 30 million yuan annually, supporting public welfare worldwide.

Prior to the launch ceremony, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Mr. Zhu Huarong, Chairman of ChangAn Automobile, who expressed his sincere gratitude to the Thai government for its long-term support. He commented that in the future, ChangAn will uphold the spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation to make greater contributions to Thailand's economic and social development and drive the global auto industry forward.