GAC Aion's production plant in Thailand breaks ground, first regional hub for EVs

GAC's Aion, the electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of GAC Motor Co., has officially initiated construction on its groundbreaking Thailand factory project in Rayong Province.

This marks Aion's first venture into overseas production, joining the ranks of other Chinese carmakers, such as BYD and Changan, in choosing Thailand as a strategic production hub for right-hand drive EVs in Southeast Asia.

Announced on 31-January, the ambitious Thailand factory project, located in the Rayong Industrial Park, is backed by a substantial investment of THB 2.3 billion (around RM 307 million). The facility is designed to have an annual production capacity of 50,000 units, planned in two phases. The first phase is set to be completed by July of this year.

Guided by principles of minimal initial investment, quick output, and rolling development, the Aion Thailand factory is positioned to play a pivotal role in GAC Aion's future localised model introductions. The first vehicle model slated for production is the Aion Y Plus.

Aion is leveraging Thailand as its initial and core market in its globalisation strategy. The company aims to deepen its engagement in Thailand and extend its influence into the ASEAN market, gradually achieving localized production, sales, and services.

The responsibility for the completion of factory construction and local operations falls on Aion Thailand, which seeks to establish a comprehensive overseas market production-supply-sales system. This initiative aims to enhance the brand's global influence and contribute to Aion's production and sales goal of one million units by 2025.

Closer to home, the Aion Y Plus has just been previewed in Malaysia and is expected to be launched here before the second half of 2024.

Also read: GAC's Aion Y Plus EV previewed in Malaysia, 430 km WLTP, 204 PS/225 Nm