On Independence Day in July, BYD might just have cause to celebrate twice over. The company has successfully established a brand-new manufacturing facility in Thailand, marking a significant milestone, while simultaneously celebrating the production of its eight millionth new energy vehicle to emerge from the assembly line. Manufacturing has commenced at BYD’s Uzbekistan production facility just recently.
Within a span of 13 years, BYD achieved its milestone of one million new-energy vehicles sold by 2021. In less than four months, the milestone of seven to eight million has been surpassed, with the 7 million mark achieved on March 25 this year. Since BYD rolled out its 5 millionth vehicle from the production line on August 9, 2023, it has been approximately 10 months and something less.
Uncertainty surrounds the possibility of 8 million automotive units being phased out from Thailand’s production line, with doubts remaining as to whether local manufacturing will indeed commence on July 4. The company’s inaugural wholly-owned overseas manufacturing facility is located in Thailand, while its Uzbek operation is a joint venture. The construction of our manufacturing facility began in March 2023 and is situated within the designated area of the Eastern Economic Corridor’s Japan-Thailand Innovation Hub in Rayong Province. The Aion GAC plant is set to launch later this month in its similar space.
As production reaches full capacity, the facility is expected to manufacture 150,000 vehicles annually within a 12-month period. Automobiles manufactured in Thailand are primarily designed to meet the demands of the domestic market, but subsequently, they are expected to expand their reach to other ASEAN countries and beyond. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises 10 member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The manufacturing facility will undoubtedly prioritize the production of right-hand drive models. Within just under two years following BYD’s September 2022 agreement with WHA Company to acquire land and develop the manufacturing facility, the project was completed.
By 2022, BYD expanded its presence in Thailand by introducing the Atto 3, aligning with the country’s ambitious target to have 30% of locally manufactured vehicles electric by 2030. As China’s economy continues to flourish, a growing number of domestic companies are opting to establish manufacturing facilities within the country, with notable examples including Nice Wall, SAIC, Neta, and GAC Aion. BYD plans to construct automotive plants in Hungary and Brazil.
Sources: Quick Expertise, Simply Auto,
