Chinese automaker Changan Automobile has unveiled plans to operationalize its Thailand plant by the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. The announcement came during the company’s brand launch event in Thailand, emphasizing the nation’s role as a strategic base for penetrating Southeast Asian markets and other right-hand drive car markets.
The initial phase of Changan’s production facility in Thailand, set to commence production in Q1 2025, will introduce models under sub-brands Deepal, Avatr, and Qiyuan (Nevo). The company is investing 20 billion baht ($570 million) in the plant, with a total planned capacity of 200,000 units per year. The first phase will witness an investment of about 10 billion baht, accommodating a capacity of 100,000 units annually.
Changan officially established its operating entity in Thailand on August 23, underscoring its commitment to a global footprint. The automaker reached an agreement with the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) on October 17, solidifying its investment of 8.8 billion baht to build a New Energy Vehicle (NEV) production plant with a design capacity of up to 100,000 units in the initial phase.
During the brand launch, Changan presented two Deepal models, Deepal S07 and Deepal L07, slated for official launch at the Thailand Auto Show on November 29. Initially introduced as Deepal S7 and Deepal SL03 in China, these models will be imported into the Southeast Asian market before local production begins at the Thai plant.
Changan aims to sell 5 million units globally by 2030, positioning itself among the top 10 largest carmakers globally in terms of sales. Zhu Huarong, Changan’s chairman, outlined the company’s ambitious goals, stating that by 2030, overseas investments will exceed $10 billion, with annual overseas sales surpassing 1.2 million vehicles. Changan’s foray into the Thailand market represents a pivotal milestone in its quest for global prominence in the automotive industry.
