China's state-owned Changan Automobile is establishing a research and development centre for right-hand-drive electric vehicles (EVs) and a regional office in Thailand.

The company's chairman, Zhu Huarong, and executive team recently met with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss plans for the new facilities.

The prime minister expressed appreciation for Changan's confidence in Thailand and its support in positioning the country as a global EV production hub.

The research and development centre will be relocated from Chongqing in southwestern China, aligning with the government's policy to promote research and development and enhance technological and innovation capabilities.

Changan Automobile established a presence in Thailand in 2023 and is opening its first overseas EV factory, which will manufacture right-hand-drive EVs for domestic and export sales.

The plant has an annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles, expected to double in the future.

The company plans to recruit Thai personnel for the research and development centre and engage local auto parts manufacturers in the development of right-hand-drive EVs. Changan Automobile also aims to transfer technology to Thai auto parts suppliers and increase its Thai workforce from 600 to 2,000 employees by next year, representing 90% of its total workforce.

The company targets sourcing 65% of its materials and components locally by the end of this year, rising to 80% by 2028.