Chinese vehicle maker Futam Group is eyeing land-locked Laos for an $US80m assembly plant to build vehicles for both the local market and exports, the state-run Radio Vientiane was said to have reported on Wednesday.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


According to a report carried on Earthnews.org, Futam chairman Chang Jung Xin met with Lao prime minister Bouasone Bouphavanh in Vientiane on Tuesday to discuss the investment.


Chang reportedly gave no timing for the investment, which would use Laos as a production base for Futam brand buses and cars for the domestic market and exports to neighbouring countries, employing 2,000 local workers.

Just Auto Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Auto Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Continental has secured the Window Displays Innovation Award in the 2025 Just Auto Excellence Awards for its Window Projection solution, transforming side windows into dynamic, data-rich canvases. Discover how this compact projection technology and intelligent software are reshaping in-car UX and opening fresh revenue streams for OEMs and mobility providers.

Discover the Impact