GAC Aion Thailand Factory Ready In July 2024 – 50K Production Capacity

GAC Aion, the electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of GAC Group, has initiated the construction of its first overseas production facility in Thailand's Rayong province Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The groundbreaking ceremony took place on January 26, with an estimated investment of THB 2.3 billion (RM306 million).

According to GAC, this new plant will boast an annual production capacity of up to 50,000 units. Its construction will be commenced in two phases, with the initial phase set for completion by July 2024. The first model slated for production at the Thai plant is the right-hand drive (RHD) variant of the Aion Y Plus, which was previewed locally in Malaysia yesterday.

In the Thai market, the GAC Aion Y Plus is offered in two (2) variants, the 490 Elite and 550 Ultra, with the latter model featuring a bigger battery capacity. Based on the Thai specs, we can pretty much expect similar specifications for the Malaysian consumers when the Y Plus is officially launched here.

Furthermore, GAC has thus far built 34 dealer networks across Thailand with a goal of reaching 70 by 2024. To support its international expansion, GAC Aion plans to build an international talent pool based on its Thai operations, aligning with its target to achieve one million sales by 2025.

GAC Aion is also actively venturing into the global market. In Malaysia, the brand is represented by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd which just yesterday previewed the GAC Emzoom, Emkoo and the Aion Y Plus. The Aion Y Plus is expected to be officially launched in 1H of 2024. With the completion of the Thailand factory, there is a possibility that the model sold in Malaysia might be imported in from there.