Changan Reaffirms Thailand Investment Commitment
KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Bernama) -- Changan Automobile has reaffirmed its long-term investment commitment to Thailand, highlighting the country's role as its regional manufacturing headquarters for Southeast Asia during the Thailand-China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum 2026.
In a statement, the Chinese automaker, which attended the forum as the only invited Chinese automotive brand operating in Thailand, said it aims to achieve annual sales of more than 70,000 vehicles in Thailand by 2030, ranking second among Chinese brands and fourth in the overall market.
Changan Automobile Chairman, Zhu Huarong said Changan has recorded cumulative sales of more than 41,000 vehicles in Thailand since entering the market in 2023, contributing over 1.6 billion Thai baht in taxes, creating more than 1,900 local jobs and achieving a talent localisation rate of nearly 90 per cent. (100 Thai baht = RM12.15)
He said the company's Rayong plant, its first overseas new energy vehicle (NEV) production base built with an investment of about nine billion Thai baht, is manufacturing the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 and CHANGAN NEVO Q05 for both the domestic market and exports to 18 countries, including Indonesia, Singapore and Australia.
Meanwhile, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul commended Changan's contribution to the country's automotive sector and described the company as an important partner in advancing Thailand's NEV industry.
At the forum, Changan Southeast Asia Business Unit Deputy General Manager, Wu Xiaokang said Thailand's established automotive supply chain and strategic location make it an important gateway to global right-hand-drive markets, adding that the company would continue strengthening its regional headquarters under its "In Thailand, For Thailand" commitment.
Changan said its recently unveiled "1445" strategic framework, introduced in April 2026 under its Vast Ocean Plan 2.0, aims to transform the company from an export-focused manufacturer into a global automotive group with integrated manufacturing, investment, trade and services operations, with Southeast Asia identified as a strategic priority anchored by Thailand.
-- BERNAMA