Changan opens Rayong production base for regional and right-hand-drive markets

Production begins in eastern Thailand

Changan Automobile opened its Rayong factory in eastern Thailand on 16 May 2025. The investment totals approximately 10 billion Thai baht. The opening coincided with the company’s 28.59 millionth vehicle rolling off the assembly line, a milestone across Changan’s production history.

The factory has initial annual capacity of 100,000 vehicles. Changan plans to introduce 12 new-energy vehicle models in Southeast Asia over the following three years, expanding its regional product portfolio.

Manufacturing equipment and the next phase

Changan’s Rayong site occupies approximately 250 rai. The welding workshop has 39 robots, while the painting workshop uses 29. The assembly workshop combines 18 fully automated systems and 125 semi-automated systems, which the company says support production of models with different powertrains.

A second phase is planned to raise annual capacity to 200,000 vehicles. Changan has positioned the factory as a manufacturing hub for ASEAN and other right-hand-drive markets. The company’s opening announcement is available at https://www.changan.co.th/en/news/Changan-Manufacturing-Facility-in-Thailand-en/.

Illustration details

• Annual vehicle capacity at Rayong
• 100,000 vehicles
• Initial capacity
• 200,000 vehicles
• Planned second phase

Energy systems and regional support

Changan plans a 14-megawatt solar power system intended to supply up to 45% of the factory’s electricity requirements. The design also includes natural lighting, circulating air vents, louvered panels and rainwater recycling. The company also expects energy costs to fall by 20%.

For right-hand-drive markets, Changan also plans a spare-parts warehouse intended to hold 98% of parts and support a 24-hour order-delivery target. That service programme sits alongside the proposed expansion of its vehicle range.

Workshops and markets

Thailand aims for electric vehicles to account for 30% of all vehicles by 2030. The Rayong factory brings five workshops together, covering:

• Body welding and painting.
• Vehicle assembly.
• Engine and battery assembly.

Changan identified Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand among the right-hand-drive markets it intends to serve from Thailand. The factory’s regional role extends the company’s activities from vehicle exports to local manufacturing.