#Thailand #Changan Automobile #sustainable mobility #Rayong

ChangAn Launches a State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Plant in Rayong

ChangAn Automobile has officially inaugurated its first international vehicle manufacturing facility for New Energy Vehicles (NEV) in Rayong, Thailand. This landmark event aligns with the company's milestone of producing its 28.59 millionth vehicle and marks a significant stride in its global expansion strategy.

The new plant embodies a seamless integration of sustainable, low-carbon manufacturing practices with cutting-edge digital systems aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and maintaining quality. This move represents a pivotal phase in ChangAn's implementation of its Vast Ocean strategy, which emphasizes transitioning from mere product exports to establishing a robust industrial presence in the global market.

One of the plant's most impressive features is its state-of-the-art automation, with 90% of quality control points utilizing advanced robotic technology. The facility consists of five intelligent production processes: welding, painting, a main assembly line, and engine and battery assembly. This level of automation is among the highest in Thailand's automotive industry.

In adherence to green development goals, the factory is designed with energy efficiency in mind. A 14 MW photovoltaic system will cover 45% of the plant’s energy consumption. Other eco-friendly innovations include air circulation towers, shading louvres, natural lighting, and rainwater recycling, all of which are projected to reduce overall energy costs by approximately 5%.

ChangAn's innovative production system not only minimizes manufacturing costs but also facilitates the efficient production of high-value vehicles. The welding workshop employs 39 robots equipped with advanced material joining technologies, yielding stronger assemblies than traditional methods. The painting section utilizes 29 robots and advanced painting techniques that extend paint longevity up to 15 years while reducing emissions by 40%.

The assembly line features 140 workstations, including 18 fully automated and 125 semi-automated stations. With technologies such as automated sealing adjustments and AGV robots, the plant can produce various models and drivetrain types on a single assembly line. The drivetrain section includes both engines and battery production, employing ultra-precise crankshaft bearing pairing and visual controls for 22 assembly processes.

Employing 45 AGV robots ensures flexible and responsive intra-factory logistics. The facility operates on a comprehensive digital ecosystem based on microservice architecture, enabling 100% online operations. Real-time production planning enhances supply chain coordination and reduces delivery times from 21 days to just 15 days.

ChangAn's Quality Operating System (CAQOS) oversees stringent quality control at all stages, from component delivery through vehicle production and after-sales services. During production, 77 surveillance cameras and 62 inspection stations establish 71 quality control processes, covering the entire chain from parts to customer services.

Looking ahead, ChangAn aims for 80% of its manufacturing processes to occur directly at the Rayong plant, creating 30,000 jobs and supporting a low-carbon economy while cultivating expertise for Thailand's green transformation. The plant is envisioned as a regional hub catering to Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. By 2030, ChangAn plans to exceed 5 million global vehicle sales, including 3 million equipped with alternative drivetrains. In the next three years, the company will launch 12 new alternative drive models and enhance its AI features. A new parts center in Rayong will service right-hand-drive markets with 24-hour delivery.

Executive Director Shen Xinghua emphasized the collective effort of over 2,000 employees and partners from around the world, stating, "After 556 days of hard work, we have built an efficient, modern, and intelligent factory. Together, we will shape a cleaner, smarter, and stronger future for the automotive industry—both in Thailand and globally."