Changan will also export electric vehicles to Europe from Thailand to avoid tariffs

Following the path set by BYD, Changan plans to turn its production plant in Thailand into an export hub with a scope that goes beyond Southeast Asia, contrary to what was initially planned. The Chinese manufacturer has just confirmed that starting next December it will begin exporting vehicles to Europe from this plant, with the clear aim of sidestepping the special tariffs imposed by the European Union on vehicles with this type of powertrain coming from China.

The Chinese manufacturer says the first shipment from the Thai plant in December will be a batch that will exceed one thousand units of the Deepal S05 compact SUV.

Changan says this operation will not only boost Thailand’s national revenues and attract foreign investment to the country, but will also consolidate the company’s commitment to turning Thailand into a regional hub for electric vehicle production. It also considers this decision a significant strategic step that will drive Thailand’s economic and social development on the basis of sustainability.

With Europe in sight

Since 2023, Changan had named the United Kingdom as the priority destination for the brand’s vehicles produced in Thailand, a statement it repeated on several occasions even before the plant began operating. During the official opening last May, the company’s management said these new facilities would also produce models with left-hand drive, which would later allow access to other European markets.

Meanwhile, beyond the European market, Changan intends to ship vehicles from its Thai plant to Australia and New Zealand.

Located in the WHA Eastern Seaboard 4 industrial estate, in the Pluak Daeng district of Rayong province, Changan’s Thai plant covers 392 thousand square meters and includes body, paint, powertrain, battery assembly and general assembly shops. Its annual production capacity currently reaches 100 thousand vehicles, with the goal of doubling that figure by 2027.