#electric vehicles #Thailand #Changan Automobile #Vast Ocean Plan #Rayong

ChangAn Automobile's Global Expansion Milestone

ChangAn Automobile, a prominent player in the intelligent mobility sector, has marked a significant milestone in its global expansion through the inauguration of its first international factory for next-generation electric vehicles (NEVs) in Rayong, Thailand. This event coincides with the production of the company’s 28.59 millionth vehicle and commemorates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

Zhu Huarong, the president of ChangAn, expressed the vision of turning this facility into a global standard for automotive manufacturing. He emphasized the importance of long-term growth, local operations focused on carbon neutrality, and mutually beneficial partnerships as the company seeks to lead in sustainable mobility and enhance the quality of life globally, despite globalization challenges.

An Overview of the Vast Ocean Plan

Initiated in 2023, ChangAn's Vast Ocean Plan is a strategic blueprint designed to propel the company's international reach across five major regions. In just three years, the company has generated over 14,000 patents, with around 70% being innovative ones, demonstrating its commitment to research and development (R&D). The company prides itself on fostering global talent while focusing on professionalism, youth, and market orientation. To date, ChangAn has planned 20 factories globally with nine KD plants and one fully operational vehicle assembly plant.

The company's marketing efforts have seen 22 brand launches across Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, alongside establishing over 9,000 sales outlets globally. Notably, ChangAn has committed over 30 million yuan annually towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives to support global public welfare.

ChangAn’s expansion trajectory took off with its initiatives in 2023, recording record foreign sales in 2024. With a fresh phase dawning in 2025, the company aims to offer high-quality products and services globally, furthering its ambition to match its operations in China.

Key Developments in Regional Markets

In Southeast Asia and Oceania, ChangAn has identified key markets suited for right-hand drive vehicles. The Rayong factory commenced construction in November 2023, with mass production starting in May 2025. The DEEPAL S05 and an extended-range electric vehicle were launched at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show, signaling a shift from merely exporting products to facilitating industry-level exports.

In Latin America, a brand conference held on July 23, 2024, accelerated the introduction of high-value products tailored to local demands. With a 30-year presence in the Middle East and Africa, a brand launch in September 2024 introduced six new energy models, echoing plans to establish local subsidiaries, joint ventures, and expand services.

In Europe, ChangAn reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable mobility by launching in Germany on March 21, 2025, coupled with local R&D production through its design center established in Turin back in 2001.

ChangAn’s targeted development aims to elevate five critical international markets to the same strategic level as its Chinese operations. The company aspires to boost its global market capacity from 30 to 50 million units while accelerating localization efforts in these regions. Future plans include expanding production through 11 KD projects in countries such as Kazakhstan and Egypt, aiming for an international manufacturing capacity of 500,000 vehicles.

Conclusion

In a world increasingly oriented towards intelligent mobility and environmental sustainability, ChangAn Automobile's concerted efforts reflect its commitment to innovation and global presence. As the company navigates challenges in the current economic landscape, its comprehensive strategies under the Vast Ocean Plan affirm ChangAn's position as a forward-looking leader in the automotive industry, poised for substantial growth and positive impact across multiple regions.