Chinese carmaker Changan Automobile held a groundbreaking ceremony recently for its manufacturing base in Thailand, which will serve the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other right-hand drive regions, according to a report.
Changan Auto broke ground for its factory in Rayong province on Nov. 8, Chongqing Daily reported yesterday. Its first phase will have an annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles and become operational in early 2025, while the second stage will increase the output to 200,000 units.
The factory, which includes coating, final assembly, engine assembly, and battery assembly workshops and supporting facilities, is an important milestone in Changan Auto's plan to enter overseas markets, Chongqing Daily said.
The Thai partnership gives Chongqing-based Changan Auto a solid guarantee to use Thailand as a regional center for its electric vehicle segment, said Vice President Wang Hui.
Changan Auto will devote itself to offering outstanding technology products and excellent services to customers in Southeast Asia and the rest of the world, Chongqing Daily added. It also aims to speed up its business layout in Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and the Commonwealth of Independent States to build up its global brand image and awareness.
In April, Changan Auto announced a plan to enter overseas markets, committing to invest over USD10 billion by 2030 and develop itself into a world-class brand. The carmaker expects annual sales in overseas markets to exceed 1.2 million units and its overseas headcount to reach more than 10,000 employees.
Thailand is Southeast Asia's largest car manufacturer and the world's 10th biggest maker and 16th largest seller of vehicles, Chongqing Daily said. It makes over 2 million autos per year and has nearly 700 first-tier car parts suppliers, with the most mature infrastructure among all Southeast Asian countries.
Thailand is advancing its EV transition, and the number of such vehicles will account for 30 percent of its total output by 2030, Chongqing Daily noted, citing a plan released by the Thai government.
