Chinese auto major Changan Auto has held a ceremony for its first car plant in Thailand, marking a significant step to expand its presence in Southeast Asia.

The new manufacturing facility, spanning approximately 600 acres, will include painting, assembly, engine assembly, and battery assembly units, as well as essential supporting facilities. With the first phase set to commence in early 2025, the initial design anticipates the production of up to 100,000 vehicles per year.

Furthermore, Changan’s total investment is projected to reach up to 563 million U.S. dollars by the second phase, with a total capacity of 200,000 units per year, covering the entire ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) market as well as the global right-hand drive market.

Thailand has long been a major automobile production base in Southeast Asia due to its industrial chain and geographical advantages. Changan’s investment in Thailand aligns with the Thai government’s goal of converting 30 percent of vehicles manufactured in the Southeast Asian kingdom into electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030.

As Changan’s first car plant in Thailand, the investment reflects Thailand’s potential and readiness to become a regional and global EV production hub.

MAW Vriddhi  Autocorp Pvt ltd is the authorized importer for Changan Vehicles in Nepal. In the first quarter of 2024, MAW Vriddhi is set to launch S7 and SL03 in Nepal.