CHANG-AN Inaugurates Landmark Overseas Manufacturing Facility in Thailand, Strengthening Regional Leadership and Powering National EV Hub Ambitions
Rayong – CHANG-AN Automobile, an intelligent low-carbon mobility technology company, has officially inaugurated the CHANG-AN Automobile Rayong Factory—its first comprehensive overseas new energy vehicle (NEV) production base—located in Rayong province, Thailand. The significant investment of 10 billion baht marks a pivotal moment in CHANG-AN’s global expansion and reaffirms its long-term commitment to Thailand and the wider ASEAN region. Strategically situated, the facility will serve as a manufacturing hub for both ASEAN and global right-hand drive markets, reinforcing Thailand’s position as Southeast Asia’s automotive production centre.
The grand opening coincided with a major milestone: the rollout of CHANG-AN’s 28.59 millionth vehicle, the DEEPAL S05. This achievement symbolises the company's strategic evolution from a “brand going global” to an “industry going global”.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Mr Zhu Huarong, Chairman of CHANG-AN Automobile, alongside senior executives Mr Wang Hui, Mr Klaus Zyciora, Mr Deng Chenghao, and Mr Shen Xinghua. Distinguished guests included Mr Akanat Promphan, Minister of Industry; Ms Pailin Teansuwan, Advisor to the Minister of Industry; Mr Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment; Mr Triphob Wongtrirat, Governor of Rayong; and Mr Jiang Wei, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, as well as industry partners and media representatives—highlighting the strategic importance of this development.
Spanning approximately 250 rai, the state-of-the-art facility includes five major production workshops: welding, painting, assembly, engine assembly, and battery assembly. The initial annual capacity is 100,000 vehicles, with Phase 2 plans to double this to 200,000. The welding section utilises 39 robots; the painting workshop, 29 robots with emissions reduced by 40% and paint durability of over 10 years. The assembly line features 18 fully automated and 125 semi-automated systems capable of producing multiple powertrains simultaneously. Digital integration has reduced order-to-delivery time from 21 to 15 days.
Designed from the outset as a “green factory”, the site incorporates energy-efficient systems, including a planned 14MW solar power installation capable of supplying 45% of the factory’s electricity. Sustainability features also include air circulation vents, louvred panels, natural lighting, and a rainwater recycling system—collectively expected to cut energy costs by 20%. Over time, the facility is projected to support over 30,000 jobs throughout the value chain, contributing meaningfully to local economic growth.
“This inauguration marks a transformative step for CHANG-AN, evolving from simply exporting vehicles to building a local ecosystem,” said Mr Zhu Huarong. “Through our three grand plans—Green CHANG-AN, Smart CHANG-AN, and Global CHANG-AN—we reaffirm our long-term commitment to Thailand. Our Rayong facility is a model for sustainability and innovation and will serve as a gateway to Southeast Asia and right-hand drive markets such as Australia and New Zealand.”
Mr Shen Xinghua added, “This factory represents several firsts for CHANG-AN—our first NEV plant and our first full-process production site. With 90% of quality checkpoints automated, we are at the forefront of Thailand’s EV industry. Our goal is to provide smart, environmentally friendly mobility solutions while reducing operational and environmental costs. This investment aligns with Thailand’s national strategy to become an EV manufacturing hub.”
During the event, CHANG-AN showcased innovations including its CTV battery, Super Integrated E-Drive, and Range Extender technologies, alongside a display of vehicles from its DEEPAL (S05, E07, S07, L07, G318) and AVATR (11, 12, 07) lines, and the pioneering EHang autonomous aerial vehicle.
Over the next three years, CHANG-AN will introduce 12 NEV models to Southeast Asia. The company also plans to establish a spare parts warehouse for right-hand drive markets, stocking 98% of components and enabling 24-hour delivery. A Thailand-based digital platform will offer real-time services including vehicle control, battery monitoring, remote diagnostics, and smart maintenance through AI.
In 2024, CHANG-AN recorded global sales of 2.68 million vehicles, a 5.1% increase year-on-year, including 735,000 NEVs—up 52.8%. The company aims to achieve five million in annual sales by 2030, with NEVs comprising three million units.
The Rayong facility marks a major milestone in CHANG-AN’s strategic roadmap and strengthens Thailand’s ambitions to lead the region in next-generation automotive manufacturing.
