Changan Thailand today officially launched its new vehicle manufacturing plant located at WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 4 in the Rayong province. This is the Chinese automaker’s first facility that will serve as a hub to assemble Changan, Deepal and Avatr vehicles for Southeast Asian markets, Australia and New Zealand.
Featuring a body shop, paint shop, final assembly shop as well as a powertrain workshop (including battery assembly), the facility will initially have a production capacity of 100,000 units annually, with plans to increase the figure to 200,000 units by 2027. Construction of the facility started in late 2023 and it took 556 days to complete.
Prior to the launch, Changan executives met with Thailand prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss their investment plan in the country worth over 10 billion baht (about RM1.29 billion) and future plans.
In an official release, Changan revealed its sustainable development plan for Thailand’s automotive industry, which not only includes the new plant. The company also aims to increase the proportion of locally sourced parts from 60% in 2024 to 68% in 2025, and to 80% by 2028. Currently, the company is collaborating with over 37 parts manufacturers in Thailand.
Additionally, the company intends to employ more Thailand locals from the current 611 people (80% of all employees) in 2024 to approximately 2,000 people (90% of all employees) by 2026. Some of these local workers will also be provided with the chance to join the senior management team.
Changan also plans to establish a R&D centre to serve as a regional hub for technology and engineering development for right-hand drive vehicles. This will focus on new energy technology and artificial intelligence research, including technology transfer to personnel and parts manufacturers in Thailand. Another component of the plan is the setting up of an international business centre to serve as a strategic planning center for production, distribution and exports for regional markets.
The current line-up of Changan vehicles offered in Thailand includes the Lumin city car and Avatr 11, while the Deepal brand has the Hunter K50 (a range-extended electric pick-up truck), S05, E07, L07 and S07.
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