Rayong, 10 November 2023(TDI): In a significant move towards contributing to Thailand’s ambitious goal of achieving 30% electric vehicle (EV) adoption by 2030, China’s leading automaker, Changan, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its first car plant in Thailand on 9 November.
The event occurred in the Eastern Economic Corridor Special Zone in coastal Rayong province.
It marked a crucial step in the company’s commitment to driving the country’s transition to a more environmentally sustainable automotive landscape.
Spanning approximately 600 acres, the new manufacturing facility will house essential units, including painting, assembly, engine assembly, battery assembly, and supporting facilities.
With the first phase to commence in early 2025, Changan anticipates an initial production capacity of up to 100,000 vehicles per year.
The total investment is projected to reach 20 billion Thai baht (approximately 563 million US dollars) by the second phase, with a total capacity of 200,000 units per year.
This expanded capacity is aimed at covering not only the entire ASEAN market but also the global right-hand drive market.
Vice President of Changan Automobile, Wang Hui, expressed the company’s motivation to play a proactive role in Thailand’s rapid shift towards EV adoption.
The investment reflects Changan’s commitment to positioning Thailand as a regional hub for EVs and aligns with the Thai government’s vision for a greener automotive future.
Changan’s entry into Thailand is seen as a solid assurance for achieving its objectives while promoting the deep integration of the new energy vehicle industries in both China and Thailand.
The secretary general of the Thailand board of Investment Narit Therdsteerasukdi, emphasized the significance of Changan’s investment, stating that it reflects Thailand’s potential and readiness to become a regional and global EV production hub.
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Besides Changan, other Chinese automakers like Great Wall and BYD have established manufacturing plants in Thailand and introduced electric vehicles (EVs).
The Federation of Thai Industries reports that Chinese brands represented more than 70 percent of Thailand’s EV sales in the first half of this year.
