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

ChangAn's Global Expansion: The Launch of the Vast Ocean Plan

In May 2025, ChangAn Automobile celebrated a momentous occasion: the official opening of its first international electric vehicle production facility in Rayong, Thailand. This landmark event coincided with the manufacture of the company's 28,590,000th vehicle and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. Not only does the establishment of this factory signify a significant step in ChangAn's journey, but it also represents the company's commitment to its global growth strategy known as the "Vast Ocean Plan."

From Local to Global Manufacturing

The new factory in Rayong marks a milestone in ChangAn's transition from exporting finished products to exporting entire sectors of industry. This shift is a pivotal component of the company's overarching strategy, which aims to enhance its presence in five key global regions. Zhu Huarong, the president of ChangAn Automobile, emphasized the company's goal to set a global standard for this factory, ensuring a focus on long-term growth while adapting to local markets and contributing to sustainable mobility.

The Vast Ocean Plan, introduced in 2023, reflects ChangAn's vision to emerge as a prominent global automotive brand. In its pursuit, the company has filed over 14,000 patents within three years, with a striking 70% pertaining to innovative technologies, enabling an average of 19 patents reported daily.

A Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

ChangAn's dedication to fostering talented professionals worldwide is evident through its international approach and commitment to market-oriented practices. With an ambitious plan that includes 20 manufacturing plants, comprising nine production plants (KD) and a complete vehicle facility, ChangAn is already marketing 22 brands in South Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, along with establishing over 9,000 sales outlets.

Moreover, the company invests more than 30 million yuan annually in sustainable development and corporate social responsibility initiatives that aim to enhance global social welfare. The response to their strategy has accelerated international growth, resulting in record foreign sales in 2024, and further refinement in 2025 with a renewed focus on delivering high-quality products and services that align with the evolving dynamics of the global economy.

Key Market Position and Future Expansion

In Southeast Asia and Oceania, ChangAn has successfully captured key markets for right-hand drive vehicles. The factory in Rayong began construction in November 2023 and commenced mass production in May 2025, marking its debut with the DEEPAL S05 models and extended-range EVs during the Bangkok International Motor Show in 2025.

To cater to the diverse needs of its customers, ChangAn organized a brand conference in Latin America on July 23, 2024, to expedite the introduction of high-value, region-specific product offerings. The company's presence in the Middle East and Africa spans three decades, culminating in the launch of six new alternative-energy models in September 2024.

In Europe, ChangAn reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability with a market entry into Germany on March 21, 2025, emphasizing local research and development through its Turin design center and the strategic initiative