ChangAn Launches First International NEV Manufacturing Base in Thailand
In a bold move towards global expansion, ChangAn Automobile has officially inaugurated its first international manufacturing base for new energy vehicles (NEVs) in Rayong, Thailand. This strategic development marks a significant shift in the company’s approach, transitioning from merely exporting vehicles to establishing a comprehensive industrial ecosystem that facilitates local manufacturing, research and development, and supply chain management.
The Rayong facility encompasses approximately 245 rai (392,000 square meters) and is equipped with advanced manufacturing systems, including a welding workshop, painting shop, general assembly, motor assembly, and battery assembly. It is designed to be an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient plant that optimizes natural daylight usage, integrates photovoltaic systems, and features systems for recycling wastewater, thereby reducing energy consumption per vehicle by around 20%. These sustainable practices not only enhance production efficiency but also ensure high product quality to meet diverse market demands.
As part of its commitment to the ‘Broad Ocean’ initiative, ChangAn celebrated the production of its 28.59 millionth vehicle, the DEEPAL S05, tailored for right-hand driving markets. This milestone underscores ChangAn’s dedication to elevating five key overseas markets — Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Central and South America, Europe, and Eurasia — to the same strategic level as its domestic operations. With global expansion at the forefront, the company aims to transform itself into a world-class automotive brand through intelligent manufacturing and localized cooperation.
The Rayong plant will not only manufacture vehicles under the CHANG-AN, DEEPAL, and AVATR brands, but it is also projected to double its annual production capacity from 100,000 to 200,000 units by 2027. This facility serves as a testament to ChangAn’s 41 years of automotive manufacturing experience and reflects the seamless integration of its heritage with local operations to create globally standardized production systems. This integration enables the cultivation of skilled labor and the replication of global factory standards.
Moreover, ChangAn's ‘Broad Ocean’ plan is responsive to current global industrial trends and signifies a major leap in its international operations. Following the initiation of its Southeast Asia branding strategy in Thailand in November 2023, the company has successfully launched seven new models, including the DEEPAL S07, E07, and AVATR 11, achieving cumulative sales exceeding 14,000 units, making these models among the top performers in Thailand’s NEV market.
Highlighting key areas of operational excellence, the Rayong plant implements the ChangAn Cyber-Physical System (CPS), focusing on leadership, productivity, and performance. This system brings together seven operational frameworks and six core processes that form the backbone of the company’s lean management strategy, underscoring its commitment to excellence in vehicle manufacturing. Additionally, the facility leverages a unified automotive platform standard (CAPDS) that bolsters technical support and engineering development in Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on new energy, intelligent systems, adaptive designs, and product innovation.
Zhu Huarong, chairman of ChangAn Automobile, stated, "This is a monumental moment for ChangAn - a significant leap from exporting cars to building a local ecosystem." Despite the challenges posed by anti-globalization trends, ChangAn remains committed to its Broad Ocean plan, contributing to Thailand's economic and social development while driving the automotive industry forward globally. As ChangAn continues to innovate and adapt, its new Rayong facility undoubtedly positions the company at the forefront of the evolving automotive landscape.