Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) has stepped up its efforts to establish a local supply chain for new energy vehicles (NEVs) in Thailand, with component sourcing agreements in place with several of its Chinese suppliers that have established operations in the South-east Asian country, a senior company official confirmed this week.
The automaker has supply agreements with Chinese battery manufacturer Svolt Energy Technology, as well as with Mind Automotive Parts Company, Hycet Engine System Company, Nobo Automotive Systems Company, and Exquisite Automotive Systems Company.
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GWM has a vehicle assembly plant in Thailand’s Rayong province with a production capacity of 120,000 vehicles per year. It sells vehicles in Thailand under the Haval, Tank, Poer and Ora brands. It sold 5,460 vehicles in the country in the first nine months of the year and is looking to establish its Thai operations as a production hub for global markets.
Michael Chong, managing director of Great Wall Motor (Thailand), told local reporters that these five partners will play a key role in establishing local content in Thailand and in “driving the country’s NEV industry forward with cutting-edge technology and intelligent innovation,“ adding: “We aim to elevate our position as a leading automotive brand with a diverse range of products across all powertrains, including BEVs, HEVs and PHEVs.”
GWM said it plans to introduce diesel engines to its Thai line-up in 2025, for its Tank and Poer product lines, to cater to the diverse needs of its Thai consumers as it looks to become a “full range” automotive manufacturer in the country.
