Beijing (ZXZC)- On September 4, Changan Automobile revealed during an investor briefing that construction of its new energy vehicle production base in Thailand is progressing as planned, with production expected to commence in the first quarter of next year.

DEEPAL L07; photo credit: DEEPAL

The Thailand facility marks the Chinese automaker's first overseas base, with an initial production capacity of 100,000 vehicles, which will gradually increase to 200,000 vehicles annually.    

Changan is also exploring the establishment of new bases in Central and South America, as well as Europe, aiming to leverage globalization for the rapid and sustainable growth of its new energy vehicles (NEVs).

Changan Automobile's overseas expansion has gained significant momentum this year. From January to July, the company's wholly-owned brands recorded overseas sales of 228,000 vehicles, surging 67.6% year on year. To support this growth, the automaker has restructured its organization, creating a "1+5+2" global development framework with five regional business divisions, enhancing its market operations abroad.

The company’s several vehicle models are already available in key overseas markets. In Southeast Asia, the DEEPAL S07, L07, and the Changan Lumin are currently on sale, with plans to introduce the AVATR brand later this year. In Central and South America, the DEEPAL S07 has officially hit the market in Mexico, with additional NEV models to follow. In the Middle East and Africa, the DEEPAL S7 and NEVO A05 recently debuted at the UAE exhibition.

Additionally, Changan Automobile is accelerating its European market entry with a focus on NEVs. Recently, the automaker established a German subsidiary in Munich, which will not only handle sales, marketing, and services but also focus on customer insights, market research, technical standards, regulatory certifications, and product localization.