Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Chinese automaker, which attended the forum as the only invited Chinese automotive brand operating in Thailand, aims to achieve annual sales of more than 70,000 vehicles in Thailand by 2030. This goal positions the company to rank second among Chinese brands and fourth in the overall market.
Changan Automobile Chairman, Zhu Huarong, stated that since entering the market in 2023, Changan has recorded cumulative sales of over 41,000 vehicles in Thailand. This achievement has contributed more than 1.6 billion Thai baht in taxes, created over 1,900 local jobs, and achieved a talent localization rate of nearly 90 percent. The company's Rayong plant, its first overseas new energy vehicle (NEV) production base, was built with an investment of about nine billion Thai baht. It manufactures the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 and CHANGAN NEVO Q05 for both the domestic market and exports to 18 countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia.
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, emphasized Thailand's established automotive supply chain and strategic location as key factors making it an important gateway to global right-hand-drive markets. He added that the company would continue strengthening its regional headquarters under its "In Thailand, For Thailand" commitment.
Changan also introduced its "1445" strategic framework in April 2026 under its Vast Ocean Plan 2.0. This framework 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.