According to a report by Reuters, Great Wall Motor (GWM) is readying plans to invest up to USD30 million (RM138 million) to build a new battery pack assembly plant in Thailand. In an interview with the news outlet, Narong Sritalayon, managing director of Great Wall Motor Thailand, said local production of the Ora Good Cat will begin next year.
In addition to the battery plant, the GWM is looking at the possibility of establishing a research and development centre in Thailand that could work on fully electric pick-up trucks. Dependent on government subsidies, a new R&D centre in Thailand would support the country’s goal of being a regional electric vehicle (EV) hub, while also expanding GWM’s global R&D layout that covers Europe, Asia and North America.
GWM isn’t the only Chinese carmaker to invest in Thailand, as BYD has also announced its plans to set up shop in the country. Even so, Toyota and Isuzu remain dominant forces, with the brands’ pick-up trucks making up more than half of sales last year. “I think there is a lot of things we can learn from Thailand’s unique market for pickup trucks,” Narong said.
Thailand is targeting to have EVs account for 30% of its automotive production by 2030 and has been aggressive in attracting investments by offering financial incentives to car companies as well as car buyers. Increased localisation of components, including battery packs, would help GWM meet the requirements set by the Thailand government’s incentive scheme.
Currently, the only EV sold by GWM in Thailand is the Ora Good Cat, which was launched in November 2021. The carmaker also sells electrified Haval models that are produced at the former General Motors plant in Rayong, which GWM acquired following the American company’s exit from the country.
Narong noted the battery plant could require an investment of up to one billion baht (RM133 million) depending on the size of the facility that will be decided within the next six months. SVOLT Energy Technology, a subsidiary of GWM, will be responsible for producing battery packs in Thailand in the initial phase.
Demand and government support will be determining factors for increasing production capacity at the new battery plant, with Narong adding the facility could also be a contract manufacturer to other carmakers.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with myTukar.
The reason most companies open in Thailand and soon Laos is purely because they are connected to China via the belt and road. This will make it easier in terms of supply chain security. Malaysia Anwar is taking orders from America to disconnect from the BRI which will make Malaysia bankrupt. We are losing these opportunities to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos etc because we are not connected yet. Everyday we delay, we will have nothing at the end of the day. Companies won’t relocate here and there once they have settled down in the countries that they have selected.
I think you are wrong.
Many manufacturers wanted to open up a car plant in malaysia but our gomen refuse to protect proton so they go elsewhere notanly tnailand and Indonesia. Because of proton, many jobs and business opportunities are lost, and our car market is stagnant compared to our neighbours.
Then you multiply this policy to petrol station, banks, motorcycles, rice, sugar, steel, …………
I think you don’t see the big picture clearly. You only know kampung petty news and rumors which big companies don’t really care. What is most important is supply chain for parts and raw materials to produce stuff. If in Thailand, they can buy easily from China any parts they need and get it withing the same day because of BRI connectivity. If they open in Malaysia, order 1 screw also will take 3-7 days because we do not have direct connection.
Why ? Why ? is THAILAND getting the TOPS EV chinese Manufacturers ? What is Thailand doing well ??
Read my explanation above.
Congrats PM Anwar, bapak EV Siamkap!