CHANG-AN Inaugurates Landmark Overseas Manufacturing Facility in Thailand, Strengthening Regional Leadership and Powering National EV Hub Ambitions

Celebrating the Grand Opening with the 28.59 Millionth Vehicle Milestone, Resonating a New Phase in the Company’s Globalization Strategy

Rayong – CHANG-AN Automobile, an intelligent low-carbon mobility technology company, today officially inaugurated the CHANG-AN Automobile Rayong Factory – its first comprehensive overseas new energy vehicle production base in Rayong province, Thailand. This significant investment of 10,000 million baht marks a pivotal moment in CHANG-AN's global expansion, underscoring its long-term commitment to both the ASEAN region and Thailand. Strategically located in Thailand, the facility will serve as a manufacturing hub for the ASEAN region and global right-hand drive markets, further solidifying Thailand's position as the automotive manufacturing nucleus in Southeast Asia. 

The grand opening also coincides with a momentous achievement: the global rollout of CHANG-AN's 28.59 millionth vehicle – which is the DEEPAL S05. This milestone signifies a new phase in the company's globalization strategy – a strategic evolution from “brand going global” to “industry going global.” 

Led by Mr. Zhu Huarong, Chairman of CHANG-AN Automobile; Mr. Wang Hui, Vice President of CHANG-AN Automobile; Mr. Klaus Zyciora, Vice President of Changan Automobile; Mr. Deng Chenghao, Vice President of CHANG-AN Automobile and Chief Executive Officer of DEEPAL; and Mr. Shen Xinghua, Managing Director of CHANG-AN Auto Southeast Asia Co., Ltd. and Managing Director of CHANG-AN Auto Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, notably including Mr. Akanat Promphan, Minister of Industry; Ms. Pailin Teansuwan, Advisor to the Minister of Industry; Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General, Thailand Board of Investment (BOI); Mr. Triphob Wongtrirat, Governor of Rayong Province; and Mr. Jiang Wei, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand ​along with industry and business partners, and media representatives, highlighting the importance of this development for both countries' automotive industries and bilateral relations.

Spanning approximately 250 Rai, the advanced manufacturing plant features comprehensive production capabilities across five main workshops: welding, painting, assembly, engine assembly, and battery assembly units, with an initial annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles. The welding workshop features 39 robots working with advanced technologies, while the painting workshop employs 29 robots applying sophisticated processes that ensure paint durability of over 10 years while cutting emissions by 40%. The assembly workshop's 18 fully automated and 125 semi-automated systems can produce multiple powertrain models simultaneously. The digital systems enable 100% online operations and management, reducing order-to-delivery time from 21 to 15 days. The annual production capacity will expand to 200,000 vehicles in the second phase. 

Designed as a model “green factory” from its inception, the facility incorporates cutting-edge, high-efficiency equipment and low-carbon processes. The company plans to install a 14 MW solar power system that will provide up to 45% of the factory's electricity requirements, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Additional sustainable features include circulating air vents, louvered panels, natural lighting, and a rainwater recycling system, expected to cut energy costs by 20%. The facility is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with plans to support over 30,000 jobs across the value chain, contributing significantly to local economic growth.

Mr. Zhu Huarong, Chairman of CHANG-AN Automobile, stated, “This inauguration marks a transformative step for CHANG-AN, evolving from exporting vehicles to establishing a local ecosystem. This movement marks a transformative step for CHANG-AN as we continue to drive forward our three grand plans: Green CHANG-AN, Smart CHANG-AN, and Global CHANG-AN. As production commences at our Rayong facility, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to Thailand and our philosophy of developing local operations that benefit local communities. We have designed this factory to exemplify sustainability and innovation, featuring lean manufacturing processes, environmentally friendly systems, and cutting-edge technology, thus reflecting CHANG-AN's commitment to a greener future. This facility supports our ambitious goal of having Thailand serve as our strategic gateway to Southeast Asia and important right-hand drive markets including Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and we remain committed to our strategy of ‘In Thailand, For Thailand’. Meanwhile, we will continue to bring leading technologies to users, focusing on AI, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), humanoid robots, and eVTOL (E-V-TOL).”

Mr. Shen Xinghua, Managing Director of CHANG-AN Auto Southeast Asia Co., Ltd. and Managing Director of CHANG-AN Auto Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd. said “We are deeply committed to the Thai market, ensuring our manufacturing excellence directly benefits Thai consumers and the broader region. The Rayong Factory represents several key milestones for CHANG-AN – our first new-energy vehicle plant, and our first full-process production site. With 90% automated quality checkpoints, we are at the forefront of Thailand's automotive industry. This advanced production base enables us to expand our product portfolio, offering smarter, more environmentally friendly mobility solutions while simultaneously reducing both operational costs and environmental impact. The plant's inauguration strongly aligns with the Thai government's visionary strategy to establish the country as a regional automotive manufacturing hub. By accelerating the transition toward greener mobility solutions, we are proud to contribute meaningfully to this country's economic development and sustainability objectives, creating value for both our customers and the communities we serve.”

At the heart of this launch, CHANG-AN demonstrated its commitment to transforming mobility in Thailand with an innovative technology showcase for media and guests. The event highlighted key advancements, including the CTV battery, Super Integrated E-Drive, and Range Extender. An impressive array of cutting-edge vehicles was also exhibited, featuring the DEEPAL series (S05, E07, S07, L07, G318), the AVATR lineup (11, 12, 07), and the pioneering EHang autonomous aerial vehicle. This presentation provided attendees with a comprehensive look at the diverse and advanced mobility solutions CHANG-AN is introducing to the Thai market.

Over the next three years, CHANG-AN plans to launch 12 new models in Southeast Asia, all of which will be new energy vehicles, further expanding its product portfolio. The company will also establish a spare parts warehouse for right-hand drive markets, housing 98% of all parts and aiming to achieve 24-hour order delivery. Through AI technology, the Thailand-based digital service platform will be upgraded for real-time services through smart vehicle control, maintenance, battery monitoring, and remote diagnostics.

CHANG-AN's global sales have been steadily rising, with 2.68 million vehicles sold in 2024, representing a 5.1% increase compared to the previous year. Among them, 735,000 were new energy vehicles, up nearly 52.8% year on year. The company aims to reach five million in total annual sales by 2030, of which three million will be new energy vehicles. The inauguration of the Rayong facility underscores CHANG-AN's commitment to Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian market, positioning the company for sustained growth in the region while contributing to Thailand's automotive industry development and environmental goals.