GWM is expanding its production and sourcing operations in Thailand, with its Rayong plant currently using 45-52% locally sourced parts, depending on the model.

The company is preparing to collaborate with the Board of Investment (BoI) to organise the GWM Sourcing Day 2026, where Thai manufacturers will be invited to participate in the development of components across 10 key groups for different vehicle drivetrain systems.

Wayne Zhou, Managing Director of GWM Thailand, said that the company is continuing to develop its automotive production base and supply chain in Thailand. GWM has operated in the country since 2020 and has made a cumulative investment of more than THB 20 billion (US$ 598.9 million). The company aims to increase the participation of Thai parts manufacturers in the production of different types of vehicles under the concept of "Built For Thai, Built On Trust".

GWM has identified Thailand as a potential regional automotive industry hub, citing its manufacturing ecosystem, government support and domestic parts manufacturers with expertise and experience. GWM operates the GWM Smart Factory in Rayong Province as an integrated vehicle manufacturing facility capable of handling a range of powertrain systems on the same production line. These include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and diesel-engine vehicles.

The plant also serves as GWM's regional production facility for right-hand-drive vehicles in ASEAN. It has a maximum production capacity of 80,000 vehicles per year and employs more than 1,100 Thai workers.

Regarding local content, which refers to the use of domestically produced parts and resources, approximately 45%-52% of the components used in vehicles manufactured at GWM's Thai factory are sourced locally, depending on the model. The company works with more than 60 parts manufacturers, both domestic and international.

The collaboration covers the establishment of technical and quality standards, outsourced manufacturing, technology transfer and support for joint ventures between Thai businesses and international parts manufacturers. The objective is to enable Thai suppliers to meet the requirements associated with automotive technologies.

GWM is preparing to collaborate with the BoI to hold the GWM Sourcing Day 2026 on November 11th, 2026, at the Amari Bangsaen Hotel in Chonburi Province. The event is intended to connect companies with Thai parts manufacturers and examine opportunities to increase domestic parts procurement.

In addition to supplying factories in Thailand, GWM's development of vehicles on global platforms may allow Thai parts manufacturers that meet the company's standards to supply GWM's global operations.

At the event, GWM will focus on sourcing and co-developing components with Thai manufacturers across 10 key groups, including:

Body parts and coatings.
Chassis.
Electrical systems.
Electric vehicle components.
Exterior parts.
Interior components and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control systems.
High-power batteries.
Power transmission systems.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Related tools and services.

Wayne Zhou further stated that the company intends to use Thailand as a production base for GWM's operations, citing the country's manufacturing ecosystem, workforce and component manufacturers.

Brand is prioritising domestic production, employing Thai personnel and integrating parts from Thai suppliers into its production lines. The company is also continuing its collaboration with the BoI regarding its operations and the Thai automotive supply chain.

The expansion of parts procurement forms part of GWM's operations in Thailand. It is also intended to enable Thai parts manufacturers to develop their standards, supply components for different vehicle drivetrains and participate in GWM's global supply chain.