ChangAn Automobile, a Chinese leader in intelligent low-carbon mobility, has officially launched production at its first international new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand, marking a major milestone in its global expansion strategy.
The opening of the plant signals the company’s transition from exporting vehicles to exporting entire industrial ecosystems—integrating advanced manufacturing, research and development, and supply chain networks.
The Rayong factory, spanning approximately 392,000 square meters, is a central component of ChangAn’s “Vast Ocean Plan,” which seeks to establish five key international markets—Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Central and South America, Europe, and Eurasia—on equal strategic footing with its home market in China.
The company aims to scale its presence globally through localized production, smart manufacturing practices, and partnerships with regional stakeholders.
Equipped with five main workshops for welding, painting, general assembly, engine, and battery systems, the Rayong facility also includes advanced automation, adaptive conveyance systems, and energy-efficient features such as photovoltaic panels and greywater recycling.
The plant is designed to reduce per-vehicle energy consumption by roughly 20%, aligning with the company’s emphasis on sustainability and intelligent manufacturing.
The launch coincided with the production of ChangAn’s 28.59 millionth vehicle, a right-hand drive DEEPAL S05 developed specifically for global markets.
The milestone vehicle underscores the company’s strategic shift toward meeting diverse market demands through tailored models and localized operations.
Initially set to produce 100,000 units annually, the plant is expected to double its capacity to 200,000 vehicles by 2027. It will manufacture models under the ChangAn, DEEPAL, and AVATR brands, all of which are part of the company’s growing portfolio of NEVs.
The facility is designed to be scalable and replicable, enabling the company to quickly establish similar operations in other regions as part of its broader globalization strategy.
ChangAn’s presence in Southeast Asia has expanded rapidly since it launched its regional brand initiative in Thailand in late 2023.
Since then, it has introduced seven models—including the DEEPAL S07, E07, and AVATR 11—and achieved cumulative sales exceeding 14,000 units, placing it among the top four players in Thailand’s NEV market.
The Rayong factory reflects ChangAn’s 41-year legacy in automotive manufacturing, combining deep industry experience with cutting-edge systems.
The site integrates the company’s CPS lean manufacturing framework, emphasizing leadership, productivity, and performance across all operations. It also leverages seven operational systems and six core processes for precision execution.
A key component of the facility is its use of the CA-PLS and CAPDS platforms to streamline product launches and strengthen engineering development in Southeast Asia.
These tools support adaptive design and enhance product innovation, allowing ChangAn to deliver models that reflect local preferences while maintaining global quality standards.
The Rayong plant also serves as a model for a resilient, dual-circulation supply chain that links Chinese and Thai operations. By embedding its full ecosystem overseas, ChangAn is positioning itself to better navigate global supply disruptions and geopolitical challenges.
Business News Asia