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

ChangAn Launches First International NEV Manufacturing Facility in Thailand

On May 18, 2025, ChangAn Automobile made a significant advancement in its world-class automotive ambitions by inaugurating its first international new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing base located in Rayong, Thailand. This strategic move is a critical part of their broader Vast Ocean Plan, aimed at transforming the company's operational model from merely exporting vehicles to exporting an entire industrial ecosystem that emphasizes sustainability, intelligence, and local integration.

The newly established facility encompasses approximately 245 rai, or 392,000 square meters, and includes five main workshops that handle welding, painting, assembly, engine production, and battery manufacturing. It is designed with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating modern technology that optimizes daylight usage, photovoltaic systems for solar energy, and recycling facilities for greywater and rainwater — collectively aiming to reduce energy consumption by around 20% per vehicle.

A notable highlight of the launch was the celebration of ChangAn's 28.59 millionth vehicle — a right-hand drive model of their DEEPAL S05 tailored for global markets. This milestone not only reinforces the company's commitment to growth but also indicates its readiness to meet the demands of diverse international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, where they aim to elevate their brand to the same level as their operations in China.

The Rayong factory is foundational for ChangAn’s ambitious forecasting of annual production capacity, which is expected to enhance from 100,000 to 200,000 units by 2027. This growth trajectory will facilitate the manufacture of multiple brands under ChangAn, including CHANG-AN, DEEPAL, and AVATR. Utilizing advanced technology and automated systems ensures that the factory meets high standards of production efficiency and product quality.

In alignment with global industry trends, ChangAn's Rayong factory reflects its dedication to lean manufacturing principles, integrating operational systems and management strategies that streamline productivity. Lean management at ChangAn is built upon their proprietary CPS lean manufacturing system, which focuses on maximizing output while minimizing waste.

With ongoing international brand launches in strategic markets like Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Germany, ChangAn aims to replicate its home-market success globally. Since initiating a brand strategy targeting Southeast Asia in November 2023, seven new models have been introduced in Thailand alone, including popular units like the DEEPAL S07 and AVATR 11, culminating in over 14,000 units sold — placing the company firmly among the top four players in Thailand's NEV market.

This strategic shift is pivotal as ChangAn seeks to maintain resilience amid challenges posed by rising anti-globalization sentiments. As Zhu Huarong, Chairman of ChangAn Automobile, remarked, "This is a big moment for ChangAn – a giant leap from exporting cars to building a local ecosystem." The company is committed to contributing economically and socially to Thailand while advancing the global narrative of the auto industry towards a more integrated and sustainable future.

The Rayong plant exemplifies ChangAn's 41 years of automotive manufacturing expertise and establishes a replicable model for its global operations. The blend of local talent development and established standards serves as a template for future expansions, underlining ChangAn's strategic foresight and dedication to innovation in the automotive sector.

In conclusion, the opening of the Rayong factory positions ChangAn at the forefront of NEV manufacturing, setting a standard for sustainable practices that reflects an evolving automotive landscape. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, the company's ongoing journey exemplifies resilience and adaptability in today’s dynamic global market.