Chinese carmaker Changan Automobile will launch 12 new models in Thailand between 2027 and 2029, as it turns its Rayong factory into the company's Southeast Asia headquarters and largest overseas manufacturing and export base.

The plan was set out as Changan marked three years in Thailand at its CHANGAN DAY 2026 event. Over that period the company has sold more than 35,000 vehicles in the country, with annual sales rising from about 5,000 in 2024 to 14,000 in 2025. It is targeting 30,000 sales in Thailand in 2026, an average annual growth rate of more than 100%.

Rayong: first overseas plant

At the centre of the strategy is the Rayong factory, Changan's first new-energy vehicle production base outside China. Built in 18 months with investment of more than 10 billion baht, the plant began commercial operations in May 2025 and currently produces the Deepal S05 and Nevo Q05 models.

The first phase delivers capacity for 100,000 vehicles a year, with full build-out planned to reach 200,000. Changan expects to export 6,000 vehicles from Thailand in 2026, serving 18 countries and regions, and says the plant supports around 300 local suppliers. The factory operates under the company's 'Made in Thailand, Sold Globally' concept, with right-hand-drive models for Thailand and export markets including Indonesia, Singapore and Australia.

Nine models launched so far

Changan has launched nine new-energy models in Thailand under two brands: Changan, whose ranges include Deepal, Nevo and Lumin, and the luxury brand Avatr. The Nevo Q05, launched in mid-2026, drew 2,200 bookings in its first week.

Over the next three years the company aims to grow its Thai business to more than three times its current size and become one of the country's leading car brands. Alongside the 12 new models, it plans to raise local sourcing from 50% to more than 60% and expand its supplier network to 413 companies.

Backing Thailand's EV ambitions

The expansion dovetails with the Thai government's 30@30 policy, which aims for electric vehicles to make up 30% of total automotive production by 2030, including 725,000 zero-emission cars. Changan said its second stage of investment in Thailand supports that goal while deepening its local manufacturing footprint.

"The first three years mark only the beginning of our journey in Thailand," the company said, adding that it aims to become one of Thailand's leading and most responsible automotive brands. For Thailand, the Rayong plant's growth offers jobs, exports and a stronger claim to be Southeast Asia's electric vehicle manufacturing hub.