#Thailand #Changan Automobile #New Energy Vehicles #Rayong #Rayong Factory

ChangAn's Significant Move in Rayong

On May 17, 2025, ChangAn Automobile, renowned for its advancements in low-carbon mobility technology, inaugurated its first overseas production facility for New Energy Vehicles (NEV) in Rayong, Thailand. This milestone not only marks the production of its 28.59 millionth vehicle but also signifies a pivotal moment in the company's global manufacturing strategy.

Embracing Sustainability and Efficiency

The new factory is a cornerstone of ChangAn's “Vast Ocean Plan”, transitioning from merely exporting products to establishing a comprehensive global manufacturing presence. The plant embodies a commitment to sustainable practices, integrating advanced digital systems with a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. As a central production hub, it features five highly automated workshops - welding, painting, general and engine assembly, and battery production - achieving over 90% automation in its quality control checkpoints, which ranks among the highest in the Thai automotive industry.

Moreover, the facility is designed with energy-saving and eco-friendly attributes that align with green development goals. A substantial 14 MW photovoltaic system will supply 45% of the plant's energy requirements. Features like air circulation towers, shading devices, natural light, and rainwater recycling systems aim to reduce power consumption for lighting and ventilation, thereby enhancing water efficiency and potentially cutting energy costs by around 5%.

Innovative Manufacturing Processes

ChangAn is implementing a transformative and flexible production system aimed at minimizing manufacturing costs while producing high-quality vehicles. The welding workshop boasts 39 robots alongside advanced material bonding techniques such as FDS, EPS, and SPR, which offer superior strength compared to traditional methods. In the painting section, 29 robots utilize cutting-edge spraying procedures, extending paint life to 15 years and reducing emissions by 40%. The assembly line incorporates 140 stations with a mix of full and semi-automated units, adapting to various models and specifications through technologies like automatic sealing and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs).

The plant’s energy workshop supports engine and battery manufacturing, featuring ultra-precise motor tile fitting and visual guidance across 22 battery processes. A fleet of 45 AGVs enables a flexible and responsive manufacturing and transport system, ultimately streamlining operations.

Digital Integration for Quality Assurance

ChangAn’s Rayong facility operates under a comprehensive digital ecosystem, using a microservice architecture for entirely online operations. This continuous digital oversight allows real-time planning of the manufacturing process, enhancing supply chain coordination and reducing delivery cycles from 21 days to 15 days. The ChangAn Quality Operating System (CAQOS) is central to ensuring quality management across supplier parts, production processes, and market services, enhanced by 77 surveillance cameras and 62 fail-safe checkpoints that facilitate 71 processes aimed at maintaining quality throughout production phases.

Ambitious Plans for Future Growth

Looking ahead, ChangAn aims to localize 80% of its production at the Rayong site, create 30,000 jobs, and further commit to carbon-neutral growth and talent development in Thailand's green transition. Positioned as a hub for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, ChangAn plans to sell over 5 million vehicles globally and 3 million vehicles with new energy by 2030. In the next three years, the company will introduce 12 new energy models while continuing to expand its AI functionalities. A dedicated spare parts center in Rayong will further support markets that require right-hand drive vehicles with round-the-clock delivery services.

“After 556 days of effort from more than 2,000 employees and partners globally, we have constructed a facility that is efficient, modern, and intelligent,” stated Shen Xinghua, General Manager of ChangAn Automobile Southeast Asia Business Unit. “We have a long-term vision, and together, we will contribute to shaping a cleaner, smarter, and stronger automotive future - in Thailand, for Thailand, and for the world.”