Chongqing - On September 17, Avatr, Chongqing Changan Auto’s high-end EV brand, launched the right-hand drive Avatr 11 in Bangkok, marking its entry into the Thai market and a key step in its Southeast Asian and global expansion.

The standard range model is 2,099,000 baht (USD 63149.67), and the long-range model is 2,299,000 baht. Deliveries are set to begin in November.

At the launch event, Avatr Technology President Chen Zhuo announced plans to use Thailand as a springboard, targeting five continents, including Europe, by 2025, and aiming to establish over 100 authorized stores in 50 countries.

Since debuting the Avatr 11 and 12 at the Bangkok International Motor Show on November 27, 2023, the brand has expanded into Southeast Asia and the Middle East, accelerating its global growth.

Avatr Technology President, Chen Zhuo, delivered a speech at the launch event on September 17. (Photo/Avatr)

In June 2024, Changan Auto partnered with the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) in Bangkok, securing agreements with over 70 local suppliers, 80% of which are Thai-owned, reinforcing its commitment to local manufacturing.

Changan Auto is investing 20 billion baht (USD 599.98 million) in its first Southeast Asian factory in Rayong, Thailand, which will begin production in March 2025. Similarly, BYD opened a factory in July 2024 following a 32 billion baht (USD 959.97 million) investment.

Thailand's electric vehicle market is rapidly expanding globally. With supportive government policies and its strategic location in Indochina, the country has become a key gateway for Chinese EV companies like Changan Auto to enter Southeast Asia and the global market.

Thai government policies, including tax breaks and incentives, are boosting the EV industry's growth. Under the 2024-2027 EV incentive plan, the excise tax on imported EVs priced under 7 million baht will drop from 8% to 2%. Companies buying locally-made electric commercial vehicles can deduct twice the vehicle's price, while for imports, the deduction is 1.5 times, both valid through 2025.

The government's strong support for EVs has drawn Chinese manufacturers, who are now exporting to Thailand and setting up local production facilities. According to Thailand's AUTO LIFE website, Chinese brands dominated 89% of Thailand's EV sales from January to April. 

The rise in Chinese EV exports and local manufacturing has boosted Thailand's EV market and production. In Q1 2024, EVs comprised 14% of the market, mostly imported from China. According to the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, as local production rises, sales are expected to double to 150,000 units in 2024, making up 20% of total vehicle production.

Avatr 11 launched in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo/Avatr)