#Thailand #Changan Automobile #DEEPAL S05 #Rayong

ChangAn Automobile Celebrates Major Expansion

ChangAn Automobile, a leader in smart and low-carbon mobility solutions, officially launched production at its first overseas factory for new energy vehicles (NEV) in Rayong, Thailand, on May 16, 2025. This significant event not only marked the company’s milestone of producing its 28.59 millionth vehicle, a right-hand drive model known as the DEEPAL S05, but it also symbolized a pivotal transition in ChangAn's strategy from exporting products to embracing full industrialization on a global scale.

Historical Context and Importance

This launch coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, adding a layer of historical significance to the event. During the launch, Thailand's Prime Minister, Petongtarn Shinawatra, met with ChangAn's Board Chairman, Zhu Huarong, to express her support for the company's localization efforts and the establishment of a complete industrial chain in the country. This meeting reflects the Thai government's commitment to fostering foreign investments that enhance local capabilities and create jobs.

Factory Capacity and Local Impact

Located in Rayong province, the factory spans approximately 960,000 square meters and currently has an annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles, with plans to double this figure by 2027. The establishment of this plant will bolster local production, contribute to low-carbon development, and enhance long-term collaborations, thereby strengthening Thai supply chains. Furthermore, ChangAn aims to create 30,000 jobs, boosting local tax revenues and fulfilling its corporate social responsibility commitments.

Strategic Goals and Future Plans

The Rayong factory aligns with ChangAn's broader strategic objectives under the Vast Ocean Plan, showcasing the company's ability to develop a globally competitive center for intelligent manufacturing characterized by high quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This facility exemplifies how new energy vehicle production can be integrated with digitalization and smart technologies while promoting sustainability.

ChangAn’s aspirations extend to making Thailand a hub for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Under the strategy ‘In Thailand for Thailand,’ the company aims to sell over 5 million vehicles globally by 2030, including 3 million smart alternative energy vehicles. Within the next three years, they plan to introduce 12 new energy vehicle models and expedite the deployment of AI technologies and advanced driver assistance systems.

Additionally, a new spare parts warehouse in Rayong will function as a global center for right-hand drive vehicles, striving for 98% customer satisfaction and delivery of orders within 24 hours. This year, ChangAn also plans enhancements to its Thai digital service platform, adding AI-powered features like smart vehicle control, remote diagnostics, battery monitoring, and intelligent maintenance to enhance user convenience.

Global Vision and Recent Achievements

Since 2017, ChangAn has progressed through its third business phase, promoting global expansion via its Green Plan, Intelligent Plan, and Vast Ocean Plan. The company has established three key brands—CHANG-AN, DEEPAL, and AVATR—and strives to become a leader in intelligent and low-carbon mobility. In 2024, global sales reached 2.684 million vehicles, marking a 5.1% increase over the previous year, with sales of new energy vehicles reaching 735,000 units, up 52.8% year-on-year. ChangAn recently launched in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Germany, introducing seven models in Thailand since November 2023, including DEEPAL S07, E07, and AVATR 11, selling over 14,000 units and ranking among the top four best-selling brands in the country.

Zhu Huarong stated, “We continue to focus on long-term growth and local developments. We aim to establish this factory as a reference model. In the future, we remain committed to becoming a technology-driven company focused on smart and low-carbon mobility.”

About ChangAn Automobile

ChangAn is a tech-oriented company that focuses on intelligent low-carbon mobility. Its product portfolio includes passenger cars, pickups, and light commercial vehicles. Through innovations and modernization of production, the company targets sustainable mobility solutions and seeks to become a leading global automotive brand.