#Global Expansion #Thailand #Changan Automobile #Rayong #NEV factory

ChangAn's New Era: Launching NEV Factory in Thailand

ChangAn Automobile, a prominent player in the automotive industry known for its focus on intelligent, carbon-efficient mobility, has recently inaugurated its first international New Energy Vehicle (NEV) production facility in Rayong, Thailand. This significant event aligns perfectly with the delivery of the 28.59 millionth vehicle produced by the company and commemorates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, showcasing a pivotal moment in ChangAn's ambitious global expansion plans.

The factory’s opening is part of ChangAn’s elaborate strategy—the Vast Ocean Plan—which marks a transition from merely internationalizing the brand to exporting entire industrial frameworks. Chairman Zhu Huarong emphasized the factory's potential to set global standards, reinforcing ChangAn’s commitment to fostering long-term growth through carbon-neutral activities that benefit both local and global communities. The company's mission is to facilitate sustainable mobility for the welfare of human life, and despite facing challenges posed by rising anti-globalization sentiments, it remains faithful to the Vast Ocean Plan.

As part of its global journey, ChangAn aims to position itself as a world-renowned automotive brand. Since the inception of the Vast Ocean Plan in 2023, the company has accelerated its global outreach, filing over 14,000 patents—70% of which are for innovative designs—demonstrating its strong focus on research and development, with an average of 19 patents per working day.

With plans for 20 factories globally, nine of which are already operational from the outset, ChangAn is also advancing its marketing strategies with 22 brand launches across Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. The firm invests more than 30 million yuan annually in ESG initiatives, reflecting its commitment to the global good.

The new factory in Rayong, operational since May 2025, marks a significant shift from merely product exports to a more robust investment in entire sectors. The inaugural presentation of models such as the DEEPAL S05 and a range-extended EV at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2025 highlights ChangAn's proactive approach to meet the demands of modern consumers. This endeavor is not just a testament to its operational capabilities but is illustrative of the company's intent to become a key player in markets with right-hand drive vehicles in Southeast Asia and Oceania.

In a further push to adapt to local market needs, ChangAn held a brand conference in Latin America in July 2024, accelerating the introduction of high-quality automotive products tailored to these regions. Additionally, it plans to launch six new energy vehicle models in the Middle East and Africa by September 2024, reinforcing its intention for localization through joint ventures and service expansions.

ChangAn's European engagement began as early as 2001 with the establishment of a design center in Turin, Italy. Moreover, its commitment to sustainable mobility has been further solidified with its re-entry into the German market by March 2025, fulfilling its strategy of “In Europe, for Europe.”

By aspiring to meet its four-point development objectives, ChangAn aims to elevate all five major international markets to the same strategic importance as the Chinese market. With ambitions to boost its global capacity from 30 million to 50 million vehicles, it is also aiming for the establishment of 11 KD projects in countries like Kazakhstan and Egypt, targeted to yield an international production capacity of 500,000 vehicles by the coming years.

Through sustainable innovation and robust global presence, ChangAn is undeniably creating a lasting impact on the automotive landscape, marking its territory as a pioneer in the evolution of modern transportation.