Chery International, the parent company of Omoda & Jaecoo Thailand, in partnership with King Gen Public Company, is set to establish a new automobile manufacturing plant in Thailand.

This facility will produce new energy vehicles under the Omoda and Jaecoo brands, with an investment exceeding THB 5 billion (US$ 147 million). The plant's initial production capacity is expected to be 50,000 units per year, with plans to expand to 80,000 units annually by 2028.

The joint investment contract for the car manufacturing plant was signed on 23rd August 2024 at the Crystal Ballroom, The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok.

Chery aims to produce vehicles for both domestic sales and international export, including left-hand and right-hand drive models, with the goal of positioning Thailand as a major EV production hub. Both companies have conducted a joint venture signing ceremony.

The event was attended by Ms. Supamas Isaraphakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), who officiated the opening ceremony and affirmed the governmentÂ?s commitment to promoting the electric vehicle industry to establish Thailand as a leading EV production base. KGEN will be the first Thai public company to invest in such a world-class automobile manufacturing plant.

Supamas Isaraphakdi, a member of the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee (EV Board), stated, "This joint investment will bring direct and indirect benefits to Thailand, including job creation, technology transfer, and advancements in production and personnel development. CheryÂ?s decision to invest in an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Thailand reflects confidence in the Thai government's policies. We are committed to supporting this initiative and believe in the growth potential of the Thai automotive market."

Chen Chunqing, Vice President of Chery International, commented, "Chery brings 27 years of global automotive experience, with operations in over 80 countries, 10 overseas factories, and numerous dealers and service centres. As ChinaÂ?s largest passenger car exporter for 22 consecutive years and the fastest-growing car brand globally, CheryÂ?s investment in Thailand will enhance its position in the market. This collaboration with KGEN will ensure Omoda and Jaecoo vehicles meet international standards and contribute to elevating the Thai automotive industry."

Qi Jie, President of Omoda & Jaecoo Thailand, said, "We are committed to fostering sustainable growth in Thailand and enhancing the driving experience. The joint venture with KGEN will focus on producing both battery and hybrid electric vehicles. The first phase aims to manufacture 50,000 Jaecoo EVs by 2025, with production increasing to 80,000 OMODA EVs by 2028 for domestic and regional export. We also plan to expand our dealer network from 23 to 40 locations within this year."

Pornthip Trongkington, chief executive officer (CEO) of King Gen Public Company Limited (KGEN), stated, "This joint venture with Chery International, in which KGEN holds a 60% stake, represents a significant shift in the Thai automotive industry.

Unlike previous models where foreign companies invested entirely, this project repositions Thailand beyond just an OEM source. With an investment of over THB 5 billion, the first phase of production is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025, with further expansion planned for 2028."

Chery also plans to use this plant as a key production base for exporting vehicles globally. The facility will support both right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles, aiming to establish Thailand as a major centre for right-hand drive car production in Southeast Asia and contribute to the country's economic goals.