#Thailand #Changan #NEV #Rayong

ChangAn Automobiles Expands Global Footprint in Thailand

In a significant stride towards internationalization, ChangAn Automobile has established its first overseas manufacturing facility dedicated to New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in Rayong, Thailand. This move reflects the company's broader ambitions under its Vast Ocean Plan, aimed at transforming its operational model from merely exporting vehicles to creating complete industrial ecosystems.

The Rayong facility, sprawling over 245 rai (approximately 392,000 square meters), integrates advanced manufacturing technologies with rigorous research and development processes. This setup embodies ChangAn's commitment to sustainable, intelligent manufacturing practices. The factory is not just a production site; it is a pioneer of green energy initiatives. Featuring designs that harness daylight, photovoltaic systems, and rainwater recycling, it aims to reduce energy consumption per vehicle by about 20%. This eco-friendly commitment is instrumental as the automotive industry worldwide shifts towards more sustainable practices.

On the occasion of the factory's launch, ChangAn also celebrated the delivery of its 28.59 millionth vehicle, a DEEPAL S05 tailored for right-hand driving markets. This milestone underscores the company's dedication to achieving strategic parity with its domestic market in China across five major international markets, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Central and South America, Europe, and Eurasia. By embracing intelligent manufacturing and localized collaboration, ChangAn aspires to emerge as a world-class automotive brand.

The Rayong plant is equipped with five key workshops for welding, painting, general assembly, engine assembly, and battery assembly, along with auxiliary functions like exterior inspection. Automated processes and adaptable transport systems ensure not just production efficiency but also product quality, enabling the plant to meet diverse market demands. Within this framework, ChangAn expects to double its annual production capacity from 100,000 to 200,000 units by 2027, rolling out vehicles under its CHANG-AN, DEEPAL, and AVATR brands.

ChangAn's Vast Ocean initiative reflects global trends within the automotive industry. So far, the brand has successfully launched operations in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Germany. Notably, since the establishment of its Southeast Asian branding initiatives in Thailand in November 2023, the company has introduced seven new models, including the DEEPAL S07, E07, and AVATR 11, with cumulative sales surpassing 14,000 units, placing ChangAn among the top four players in Thailand’s NEV market.

With a legacy of over 41 years in automotive manufacturing, the Rayong facility encapsulates the synergy between ChangAn's heritage and localized operations. It sets a global standard that cultivates international talent and lays the groundwork for replicating ChangAn’s factory standards worldwide. This strategic move exemplifies the company's focus on lean management practices, integrating seven operating systems and six key processes to optimize productivity and performance.

The CAPDS system further strengthens technical support and engineering development in the Southeast Asian region, focusing on new energy technologies, smart systems, adaptive design, and regional product innovation. Grounded in the CA-PLS framework, the Rayong factory is the first of its kind to standardize production management, facilitating rapid product launches.

Moreover, the facility exhibits an innovative, resilient, and dual-circulation supply chain that bridges China and Thailand. As stated by Zhu Huarong, President of ChangAn Automobile, "This moment signifies a massive leap from merely exporting vehicles to constructing a local ecosystem. Despite the challenges posed by anti-globalization, ChangAn remains steadfast in its commitment to the Vast Ocean Plan. With a spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation, we aim to contribute significantly to Thailand's economic and social development and elevate the global automotive industry."

In conclusion, as ChangAn embarks on this transformative journey, the Rayong factory not only signifies a corporate milestone but also an essential step in the quest for greener, more sustainable automotive solutions in the global marketplace.