Changan Automobile unveils 3-year expansion plan - Bangkok Post
Changan executives, led by Mr Wu (left), celebrate Changan Day 2026, marking the Chinese EV maker's third anniversary in Thailand and its growth in the market. Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Changan Automobile has marked its three-year presence in Thailand with the announcement of a new business strategy aimed at strengthening its operations and expanding its role in the country's automotive industry.
Under the strategy spanning 2027-2029, Changan plans to launch new vehicle models and increase the use of locally sourced EV components, reinforcing Thailand's position as a key production and export hub for the company.
Changan executives said the company intends to expand its product lineup and increase sales as it enters the next phase of growth in Thailand.
"We plan to launch 12 new car models here," said Chris Wu, vice-president of Changan Auto Sales Thailand.
The company is targeting sales of 30,000 vehicles in 2026, supported by marketing campaigns and stronger partnerships to drive demand.
"This is the second stage of our investment in Thailand, while also supporting the government's 30@30 policy," Mr Wu said.
Under the 30@30 policy, the aim is for electric vehicles to account for 30% of total automotive production by 2030, including 725,000 zero-emission cars, 675,000 electric motorcycles and 34,000 electric buses and trucks.
As part of its operational plan, Changan will increase production of high-value components at its Rayong manufacturing plant, expand its workforce to more than 3,000 employees by 2030 and provide training for more than 300 Thai technicians.
The company also plans to expand its service network to more than 150 locations nationwide, establish additional regional body-and-paint repair centres and technical repair facilities, and enhance battery maintenance capabilities down to the cell level.
Changan aims to raise the proportion of locally sourced components in its vehicles from 50% to more than 60%, in line with government efforts to strengthen Thailand's domestic supply chain.
"Changan is committed to fostering the growth of local suppliers, enabling them to expand not only in Thailand but also globally," Mr Wu said.
The initiative includes sourcing parts and components from Thai suppliers for both Changan's Rayong facility and the company's manufacturing operations worldwide, including in China.
"This ensures our suppliers grow together with us sustainably and strongly," he said.
The Rayong plant currently produces two models, the Deepal S05 and Nevo Q05, and supports around 300 local suppliers.
Under the new strategy, Changan plans to increase the number of local suppliers in its network to 413, according to Mr Wu.
The company also plans to export battery EVs from Thailand to 18 countries this year, supporting Changan's "Vast Ocean Plan 2.0", which targets overseas sales of 1.5 million vehicles by 2030.
Vast Ocean Plan 2.0 represents the latest phase of the company's global expansion strategy and underscores its long-term commitment to international markets.
Cai Hongwei, president of Changan Auto Southeast Asia, said the company has invested more than 10 billion baht in the construction of its Rayong manufacturing complex, which is being developed in two phases.
The facility, which began commercial operations in May 2025, has a total planned production capacity of 200,000 vehicles a year.
The first phase provides capacity for 100,000 units and includes battery module production as well as a dedicated battery repair centre designed to reduce maintenance costs and shorten repair times for customers.
The second phase will add a further 100,000 units of annual production capacity.
"This was the first stage of Changan's investment in Thailand from 2023 to 2026, focused on introducing our brand and vehicle models and demonstrating our long-term commitment to the Thai market," Mr Cai said.
The company employs 2,143 people in Thailand, more than 90% of whom are Thai nationals, and has generated more than 30,000 jobs across its supply chain.
Since operations began, the Rayong plant has produced more than 40,000 vehicles.
Changan also plans to introduce additional models from China, including the Avatr premium sports utility vehicle, a seven-seat passenger vehicle and a commercial vehicle.
The company is evaluating which future models should be produced locally in Thailand, taking into account market demand in the country and the wider region, as well as prevailing industry conditions.
Wu Xiaokang, vice-president of Changan Auto Southeast Asia, said the company has built a customer base of around 35,000 vehicle owners in Thailand.
During severe flooding in late September, Changan worked with dealers and business partners to assist affected customers.
The company's support measures included sending alerts and flood-response guidance, providing free towing services in heavily affected areas and launching a relief programme offering a 30% discount on spare parts to help customers cope with repair costs and broader cost-of-living pressures.
Mr Wu said since entering the Thai market, including during the recent flooding, the company has not recorded any battery-fire incidents involving vehicles owned by its customers.
