#Thailand #Changan #Rayong #Rayong Factory #NEV Manufacturing

ChangAn Opens New Rayong Factory

ChangAn Automobile, a leader in low-carbon mobility technology, proudly inaugurated its first international new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand, on May 16, 2025. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in ChangAn's journey towards global expansion, coinciding with the production of the company's 28.59 millionth vehicle. The Rayong factory embodies the company's commitment to sustainable manufacturing and efficient production processes.

A Leap Towards Sustainable Manufacturing

The new facility has been designed with a strong focus on low-carbon and flexible manufacturing. It integrates cutting-edge digital systems aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring top-notch quality. With advanced technologies in play, ChangAn sets a new standard for the automotive industry in Thailand while aiming for significant international growth.

The Rayong factory represents a new phase in ChangAn's Vast Ocean Plan, transitioning from merely exporting products to a full-scale industrial globalisation strategy. This move illustrates the company's potential for expanding its product range, enhancing smart manufacturing capabilities, establishing a strong brand presence, and promoting green technologies and innovations.

High-Tech Production Capabilities

The facility houses five intelligent workshops, including welding, painting, engine assembly, general assembly, and battery production, with automation rates reaching an impressive 90% at key quality control points. This is among the highest levels of automation in Thailand’s automotive sector. Notable energy-saving measures are also prevalent, with a 14 MW photovoltaic system expected to generate 45% of the plant's electricity needs. The factory facilitates energy efficiency through advanced air circulation systems, natural lighting, and rainwater recycling methods, aiding in the reduction of energy costs by an estimated 5%.

ChangAn has adopted a flexible production system, allowing for a significant reduction in manufacturing costs while enabling the efficient assembly of high-value vehicles. The welding process employs 39 robots and advanced material-joining techniques such as FDS, EPS, and SPR, resulting in enhanced structural strength compared to traditional methods. The painting process utilizes 29 robots designed to extend the lifespan of the paint to an impressive 15 years while reducing emissions by 40%. The assembly line features 140 stations, of which 18 are fully automated and 125 semi-automated, accommodating a broad range of models and powertrain configurations.

Digital Operations for Enhanced Efficiency

As part of its move toward digitisation, the factory operates a full-stack digital ecosystem with a microservice architecture that allows for 100% online operations. The entire manufacturing process is scheduled in real-time, significantly improving supply chain management and reducing the order delivery cycle from 21 days down to just 15 days. The ChangAn Quality Operating System (CAQOS) encompasses all levels of quality management, from supplier components to market services. The implementation of advanced surveillance systems and checkpoints ensures thorough quality oversight throughout production.

Future Growth and Localisation Goals

Looking ahead, ChangAn plans to localise 80% of its production in the Rayong facility, creating approximately 30,000 new jobs while fostering low-carbon growth and supporting Thailand’s sustainable transition to green technologies. Positioned as a key hub for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, the company sets ambitious targets to achieve 5 million global sales and 3 million new energy vehicle sales by 2030. Furthermore, ChangAn will introduce 12 new energy models and enhance AI features over the next three years while establishing a parts center to cater to right-hand drive markets with rapid delivery capabilities.

Shen Xinghua, Managing Director of ChangAn's Southeast Asia Business Unit, remarked, "After 556 days of hard work from our global team of over 2,000 employees and partners, we have accomplished the construction of a modern, efficient, and intelligent factory. We are committed to contributing to a cleaner, smarter, and stronger automotive future — in Thailand, for Thailand, and for the world."