#Thailand #Vast Ocean Plan #Rayong #NEV factory #ChangAn Automobiles

ChangAn Automobile's Global Expansion Journey

In a remarkable milestone for its international ambitions, ChangAn Automobile, a leading technology firm focused on intelligent and low-carbon mobility, officially commenced production at its first international NEV (New Energy Vehicle) factory located in Rayong, Thailand. This significant event coincided with the production of the company’s 28.59 millionth vehicle and commemorated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

The launch of the Rayong facility marks a pivotal point in ChangAn's comprehensive Vast Ocean Plan, which aims to propel the company's global expansion from mere brand internationalization to establishing complete industrial ecosystems. Chairman Zhu Huarong emphasized the commitment of ChangAn to create a global standard factory, focusing on long-term growth and localized operations to foster sustainable mobility that benefits humanity, despite facing challenges like anti-globalization.

The Vast Ocean Plan serves as a strategic blueprint for ChangAn's expansion across five major regions, positioning the company towards becoming a global automotive brand. Over the past three years, ChangAn has filed more than 14,000 patents, 70% of which are inventions, averaging 19 patents per working day, establishing a strong R&D leadership.

The company has also placed significant emphasis on developing global talent with a focus on professionalism, youth, internationalization, and market orientation. Its industrial footprint includes 20 planned factories, with nine KD plants and one complete vehicle factory already operational. Marketing strategies include 22 brand launch events across Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, supported by a network of over 9,000 sales outlets. Additionally, investments exceeding 30 million yuan annually in ESG initiatives support global public welfare efforts.

Since the inception of the Vast Ocean Plan in 2023, ChangAn has expedited its global footprint, achieving record overseas sales in 2024. As the plan advances into a new phase in 2025, the company is committed to disseminating high-quality products and services globally at an unprecedented pace. In regions like Southeast Asia and Oceania, ChangAn is strategically developing markets with right-hand driving configurations.

Construction of the Rayong factory began in November 2023, and mass production commenced in May 2025. The factory debuted models like the DEEPAL S05 and EV with extended ranges at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show, reflecting a transition from exporting products to exporting entire industrial frameworks.

In Latin America, on July 23, 2024, ChangAn held a brand conference that accelerated the introduction of high-value products tailored to meet diverse local demands. After a significant presence in the Middle East and Africa for over 30 years, the brand unveiled six new energy models in September 2024, with plans to establish local subsidiaries, joint ventures, and enhanced services.

In Europe, where ChangAn has operated a design center in Turin since 2001, the brand presentation in Germany on March 21, 2025, highlighted a renewed commitment to sustainable mobility through localized R&D strategies named “In Europe, for Europe.”

ChangAn is focused on its developmental goals across four key areas and aims to elevate its global strategy with the same strategic importance as its home market in China. The company plans to increase its global market capacity from 30 million to 50 million vehicles while accelerating localization efforts in various regions. Furthermore, ChangAn anticipates expanding production through 11 KD projects in countries such as Kazakhstan and Egypt, targeting an international capacity of 500,000 vehicles per year.