Chinese automaker Chery inaugurated its new energy vehicle (NEV) production facility in Thailand's Rayong province this week, solidifying Southeast Asia as a strategic hub for green automotive innovation. The $400 million plant features cutting-edge aluminum body welding systems and integrated battery production lines, positioning it to produce 80,000 vehicles annually by 2030.
Chery International Executive Vice President Chen Chunqing emphasized Thailand's role in the company's global strategy during the opening ceremony: 'This facility isn't just about assembly – it's a complete ecosystem for next-generation mobility solutions. We're bringing autonomous driving systems, AI-powered interfaces, and smart parking technologies directly to Thai consumers.'
The investment aligns with Bangkok's ambitious EV 3.0 plan, which aims for zero-emission vehicles to comprise 30% of national automotive output within six years. Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi noted the project's broader economic impact: 'This partnership accelerates technology transfer while creating skilled jobs – exactly the growth model Thailand needs amid global energy transitions.'
Complementing the industrial expansion, Chery subsidiary OMODA & JAECOO signed workforce development agreements with three technical colleges. The multi-year program will train over 1,200 students annually in EV maintenance, battery management, and smart manufacturing processes through internships and updated curricula.
Chery joins five other Chinese NEV manufacturers establishing production bases in Thailand this decade, as the kingdom emerges as Asia's fourth-largest EV production center. Industry analysts predict Thailand's EV exports could surpass $8 billion by 2028, driven by regional demand and preferential trade agreements.
