Shanghai (ZXZC)- Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor ("GWM") announced on January 13 that the first Thailand-made ORA 03 (named "ORA Good Cat" in China) battery electric vehicle (BEV) had rolled off the assembly line at its Rayong factory. This not only marks the beginning of local BEV volume production in Thailand, but also the debut of GWM's BEV model produced locally overseas.

ORA 03 (named ORA Good Cat in China); photo credit: GWM

Meanwhile, the official statement highlights that the successful production launch of the ORA 03 has positioned GWM as the first car brand in the Thai market to possess comprehensive local production capabilities for a full range of new energy vehicles, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric models.

Back in November 2020, GWM made history by acquiring the Rayong factory, becoming the first Chinese automotive brand with full ownership in Thailand. In February 2021, the GWM brand was officially introduced in the country, unveiling the third-generation HAVAL H6 and the ORA Good Cat as the initial models.

Since its debut in the Thai market in 2021, the ORA Good Cat has garnered significant popularity among Thai consumers, with cumulative sales so far exceeding 11,000 units.

Thailand holds a pivotal position as a key automotive production hub in Southeast Asia, boasting a comprehensive industry chain and extensive market reach. Besides GWM, several other Chinese automakers have strategically entered the Thai market as well. For instance, in August 2022, BYD announced its foray into the Thai passenger car market, and has unveiled plans for factory construction. Furthermore, in March 2023, NETA Auto initiated the construction of its smart factory in Thailand, positioning it as a major manufacturing hub for NETA Auto's exports to the ASEAN region, with an estimated annual capacity of 20,000 units, set to commence production by the end of January 2024.