Chery Automobile has officially launched its local electric vehicle assembly line in Thailand, beginning production of the Chery V23 model at its facility in Rayong province.
Jim Lee, brand director for Chery Thailand, confirmed that the production line commenced operations in early July.
The move signals a strategic pivot for the Chinese manufacturer, which is increasingly prioritizing local assembly over pure imports to navigate evolving trade dynamics and consumer preferences in Southeast Asia.
The Rayong plant is a key hub for automotive manufacturing in Thailand, a region that has attracted significant investment from Chinese EV makers seeking to establish a regional export base.
By localizing production, Chery aims to reduce costs associated with tariffs and logistics while positioning itself to compete more effectively against established players in the Thai EV market.
The launch of the V23 assembly line comes as competition intensifies among Chinese automakers in Thailand, with brands such as BYD and GAC also expanding their local footprint.