Avatr has launched the right-hand drive version of the Avatr 11 in Thailand at a starting price of around $62,860, with deliveries set to begin in November.

Avatr Technology, an electric vehicle (EV) brand backed by Changan Automobile, CATL and Huawei, has entered the Thai market, the latest Chinese brand to expand into the Southeast Asian auto market.

Avatr held a brand launch event in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 17, announcing its official entry into the local market and launching the right-hand drive version of the Avatr 11 SUV (sport utility vehicle), according to a statement yesterday.

Avatr is offering the right-hand drive version of the Avatr 11 in Thailand in two variants, Standard Range and Lang Range, which start at 2,099,000 baht ($62,860), and 2,299,000 baht, respectively, with deliveries set to begin in November.

This marks the Avatr brand's official entry into the Thai market and is an important step in its strategy to expand into Thailand and Southeast Asia as well as globalize, the brand said.

Avatr is confident that it will make Thailand a pioneering stronghold in its globalization strategy, Avatr president Chan Zhuo said at the brand's Thailand launch.

This will help Avatr enter more Southeast Asian countries and global right-hand drive markets, helping the brand achieve its goal of becoming a global leader in premium smart EVs by 2030, Chen said.

Avatr is committed to the concept of “in Thailand, for Thailand” to provide Thai customers with a convenient and enjoyable future of mobility, he said. This philosophy is similar to Volkswagen's “in China for China” strategy.

Avatr was originally founded by Changan and Nio as Changan Nio on July 10, 2018, and Nio has now substantially withdrawn from the joint venture.

Avatr 11 is the first model of Avatr and was officially launched in August 2022.

The model is currently offered in four variants in China with starting prices of RMB 300,800 ($42,400), RMB 330,800, RMB 330,800, and RMB 390,800 respectively. The vehicles in China are left-hand drive.

Avatr will accelerate its overseas presence, with plans to expand to five continents, including Europe, by 2025, covering 50 countries globally and establishing more than 100 overseas official authorized stores, the company said.

Avatr delivered 3,712 vehicles in August, up 87.95 percent year-on-year, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

In the January-August period, Avatr delivered 36,367 vehicles, up 150.7 percent year-on-year.

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($1 = THB 33.39 $1 = RMB 7.0937)