Changan Automobile’s new production facility in Rayong, Thailand, has now commenced operations. The Thai plant is the carmaker’s first “full process production” new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing base outside of China, and will become the production hub for the Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand markets.
First announced in 2024, the opening of this new factory makes Changan the fifth Chinese carmaker to set up shop in Thailand within the past two years, following the likes of BYD, Neta, GWM, SAIC, and GAC.
Occupying an area of approximately 960,000 square metres, the Changan Rayong plant features five main workshops, including welding and painting body shops, battery assembly, as well as an engine assembly factory, in addition to the general assembly line.
Changan says that the Rayong plant is built according to a “green and intelligent” design concept, utilising daylight optimisation, solar power, and water recycling to lower energy consumption per vehicle by around 20%. The factory currently has an annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles, and is expected to increase to 200,000 by 2027.
In addition to the plant, Changan is also in the process of establishing a global right-hand-drive parts centre in Rayong, with the target of 24-hour deliveries within the region.
The first vehicle – and 28.59 millionth globally – to roll off the factory floor is the fully-electric Deepal S05 its 28.59 millionth vehicle globally – that will also be launched in Malaysia later this year, but Changan says that the factory is also capable of building plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and range-extender electric vehicles (REEVs), including those from Changan and Avatr brands.
Over the next three years, Changan also plans to introduce 12 new NEV models within the region.
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While absent from the recent Malaysia Autoshow 2025, Bermaz Auto’s new subsidiary Bermaz Changan Sdn Bhd (BCSB) has recently been appointed distributorship for the brand here in Malaysia. The Deepal S07 and aforementioned S05 have both been confirmed for our markets, and will be imported from the new Thai plant at some point, as stated by Changan Auto Southeast Asia Managing Director, Shen Xinghua.
The Deepal S07 was recently previewed in Malaysia, hinting at an imminent launch. When it arrives here on our shores, it’ll go head-to-head against the Tesla Model Y and Xpeng G6 – which is also distributed by Bermaz – with its futuristic design and luxurious interior.
READ MORE: Avatr 11 launched in Thailand – Changan’s premium EV SUV with up to 680 km range
