Gasgoo Munich- Changan Automobile announced on June 9 that its manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand, has produced its 20,000th vehicle, reaching a key milestone less than a year after the plant entered operation. The landmark vehicle was the overseas version of the NEVO Q05, one of the company's core global models.Image source: Changan AutomobileThe achievement underscores the growing role of the Rayong facility in Changan's international expansion strategy. As the automaker's first overseas new-energy vehicle production base, the plant represents a shift from a traditional export-driven approach toward establishing a broader global industrial footprint that encompasses manufacturing, supply chain operations, and localized services.Located in the heart of Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor, the Rayong plant officially commenced production in May 2025. The facility is regarded as one of Southeast Asia's more advanced new-energy vehicle manufacturing sites, incorporating intelligent production systems across five major workshops covering body welding, painting, final assembly, powertrain assembly, and battery assembly.According to Changan, automation rates at critical quality-control stations reach 90%, enabling the company to replicate its manufacturing and quality standards developed in China at an overseas production base.The Rayong facility has also evolved into Changan Automobile's regional manufacturing headquarters for Southeast Asia, while serving as a global supply and parts distribution center for right-hand-drive vehicles. The plant is capable of producing multiple right-hand-drive models, including the AVATR 11 and AVATR 12, the DEEPAL S05 and S07, and the NEVO Q05, supporting both localized production and international market supply.As a cornerstone of Changan Automobile's globalization strategy, the first phase of the Rayong project has an annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles, with expansion plans that could eventually double capacity to 200,000 units per year.Market response to the locally produced NEVO Q05 has been encouraging. Following its launch in Thailand in May this year, the model reportedly secured more than 3,000 orders within three days, highlighting growing consumer interest in Chinese new-energy vehicles across Southeast Asia.The latest production milestone comes as Chinese automakers accelerate their localization efforts in overseas markets. Rather than relying solely on exports from China, manufacturers including Changan Automobile are increasingly investing in regional production hubs to strengthen supply chain resilience, reduce logistics costs, and better serve local demand in strategically important markets such as Thailand.