Changan Automobile, a new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, marked the third anniversary of its operations in Thailand with an event titled "Changan Day 2026 Go Further Together".

The event outlined the role of the company's Thai operations as the headquarters for its Southeast Asian activities and identified the Rayong facility as its largest production and export base outside China.

At the Changan Automobile Rayong Factory, the company's first NEV production facility outside China, the Deepal S05 and Nevo Q05 electric vehicle models are currently manufactured. Changan also plans to export 6,000 electric vehicles manufactured in Thailand to 18 countries across various regions by the end of 2026.

Ricky Wu, Vice President and Customer Officer of Changan Auto Aoutheast Asia, said, "During the first year of operations, Changan introduced the Changan Deepal and Avatr brands to Thai consumers. In the second year, Changan's first NEV manufacturing plant outside China commenced operations. Production began with the Deepal S05 and Nevo Q05 for the Thai market. In the third year, Changan continued to expand its operations in Thailand. On behalf of the company, I would like to thank the Thai government, the Board of Investment (BOI), the Customs Department, the Excise Department, the Office of Industrial Economics, the Automotive Institute, the Automotive Human Resource Development Institute, our customers, business partners, the media and all employees for their contributions over the past three years."

Over the past three years, Changan has launched nine NEV models in Thailand under two brands: Changan, which includes the Deepal, Nevo and LUMIN electric vehicle series, and Avatr, a luxury electric vehicle brand. The product range covers several price segments, from cost-oriented models to premium and luxury electric cars. Several models have received Car of the Year and design awards from Thai media outlets.

Changan develops products for the Thai market, taking into account local road conditions, climate and driving habits. The Deepal S05, manufactured in Thailand, ranks first in monthly electric SUV registrations.

The Changan factory in Rayong took 18 months to construct and involved a total investment of more than 10 billion baht, including expenditure on product development. The factory officially opened in May 2025. Its manufacturing operations include body welding, painting, final assembly and battery pack production, increasing domestic production capacity for electric vehicle components.

Over the past three years, Changan's network of automotive parts suppliers in Thailand has expanded from more than 300 to 413. The company is involved in various stages of the manufacturing process, from product testing and development to component and vehicle production.

Thailand serves as Changan's production base for exporting electric vehicles to right-hand-drive markets worldwide. The first batch of Deepal S05 electric vehicles manufactured in Thailand was exported to the European Union in 2025. By the end of 2026, the company aims to export 6,000 electric vehicles from Thailand to 18 countries across various regions, with a focus on right-hand-drive markets.

This expansion forms part of Changan Automobile's Vast Ocean Plan 2.0, which aims to develop the company's overseas operations, manufacturing and business activities. The company has set a target of 1.5 million overseas vehicle sales by 2030.

Changan is developing its after-sales service network, which includes call centres, technical centres and spare parts centres. The company reports a first-time repair success rate of 97.3%. Its after-sales technical centre in Thailand supports operations in 17 countries and regions across Southeast Asia.

In partnership with NING SERVICE by CATL, Changan invested more than 30 million baht to establish the Changan Battery and E-Drive Service Centre. The facility can service more than 40 electric vehicles per month, including repairs to batteries, electric motors and electronic control systems. These services are intended to extend battery life and reduce the need for complete battery replacement. The centre also supports the transfer of technical knowledge and skills from China to Thai technicians.

Changan employs 2,143 people in Thailand, more than 90% of whom are Thai nationals. The company supports the progression of Thai employees into middle and senior management positions. Its business operations also contribute to the creation of more than 30,000 jobs.

Over the next three years, Changan aims to expand its business in Thailand to more than three times its current scale.

Its plans cover the following areas:

- Expanding the product range: Changan is preparing to launch 12 new flagship models for the Thai market, catering to customers with different requirements and budgets.

- Strengthening domestic production and developing Thai personnel: The company plans to increase production of high-value and key components at the Rayong plant in accordance with its manufacturing standards. It aims to employ more than 3,000 people in Thailand by 2030, increase the number of Thai managers and train more than 300 technical personnel domestically.

- Expanding production and exports: Changan's first NEV manufacturing plant outside China, located in Rayong province, began production in May 2025. The facility currently manufactures the Deepal S05 and Nevo Q05 and serves as a production base for exports to international markets.

- Expanding after-sales services: The company plans to increase its service network to more than 150 locations nationwide. The expansion will include additional regional body and paint (BP) centres for certified repairs, Level 3 (L3) technical repair centres and battery repair capabilities at the cell level. These measures are intended to reduce service times and improve repair efficiency.

- Working with partners and supporting Thai society: Changan plans to continue working with dealers and service partners and undertaking environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities. These include tree-planting projects with King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, providing free NEV training materials to the Ministry of Labour and partner educational institutions, offering special services during the rainy season and conducting electric vehicle battery fire drills with local fire departments.

Changan's investments in Thailand cover vehicle manufacturing at the Rayong factory, the domestic supplier network, after-sales services and workforce development. The company plans to continue operating its Deepal and Avatr brands through a nationwide network of showrooms and service centres.

Wu said, "Competition in the automotive market depends on price and the long-term value delivered to customers. Vehicles need to offer options for different requirements, account for Thai road conditions and climate, and suit local lifestyles. Changan aims to offer electric vehicles that meet transportation needs and provide features intended to make daily travel more convenient throughout the ownership period."

Thailand is part of Changan's international expansion strategy. The company plans to supply vehicles manufactured in Thailand to markets worldwide while contributing to the development of the country's automotive industry.

Wu also noted that Thailand's 30@30 policy supports the development of the country's electric vehicle industry. He said Changan's business strategy was aligned with the policy and that the company intended to contribute to the Thai automotive sector.

"Three years ago, Changan committed to investing in Thailand. The company continues to develop its operations in cooperation with local communities and business partners. Thailand is a vehicle sales market for Changan and a location for automotive industry development, economic activity and workforce development," Wu said.