Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Plans Vietnam CKD Truck Plant

Announced on September 21, 2026, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co Ltd plans to establish a commercial vehicle CKD operation in Vietnam with Vinh Phat Motors and Hai Au Motor Investment. The plan follows a cooperation agreement signed on September 18 and marks an expansion of the company's local manufacturing activities. The planned operation will assemble CHENGLONG light trucks under a completely knocked-down program, using technology and assembly processes supplied by Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor. The project is intended to establish a local production base while supporting the company's commercial vehicle activities in Vietnam and the broader ASEAN market.

Vietnam CKD Plant Targets April 2027 Production

The facility is planned to become CHENGLONG's first CKD plant in ASEAN and is scheduled to begin mass production in April 2027. Annual production capacity is planned at 1,000 units. Under the cooperation structure, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor will provide product technology and assembly processes, while Vinh Phat Motors will manage local manufacturing activities. Hai Au Motor Investment will oversee market development and customer service. The arrangement assigns distinct responsibilities to the participating companies and establishes a local assembly framework for CHENGLONG light trucks rather than relying solely on fully built vehicle imports.

CHENGLONG Builds on Longstanding Vietnam Presence

Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor has operated in Vietnam for more than 30 years, providing an established local foundation for the new CKD operation. The company said CHENGLONG trucks account for about 55% of Vietnam's road truck market. It also reports annual exports exceeding 9,000 units and a nationwide network of more than 30 4S/3S outlets. That network is planned to expand to 50 outlets by the end of 2026, supporting sales, service, and customer access as the company prepares for local assembly and further development of its commercial vehicle business in Vietnam.

Local Assembly Creates a Regional Manufacturing Base

The planned CKD operation connects product technology, local manufacturing, market development, and customer service within a single cooperation framework. Vinh Phat Motors will handle manufacturing activities locally, while Hai Au Motor Investment will support market development and customer service, complementing Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's technology contribution. For CHENGLONG, the project provides a defined production capacity in Vietnam and establishes its first CKD manufacturing location in ASEAN. The planned April 2027 start also gives the partners a specific production milestone as they prepare the facility and operating processes required for local commercial vehicle assembly.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The planned CKD operation could strengthen CHENGLONG's manufacturing presence in Vietnam by moving part of its commercial vehicle production closer to the market it already serves. The project's 1,000-unit annual capacity and planned 2027 production start provide a defined framework for local assembly, while the planned expansion of the company's sales and service network could support customer coverage. The development is also relevant to ASEAN manufacturing because the facility is planned as CHENGLONG's first CKD plant in the region. The next major steps will involve establishing the operation, implementing the specified assembly processes, and preparing for mass production.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the planned Vietnam CKD plant expected to begin production?
Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's planned Vietnam CKD plant is scheduled to begin mass production in April 2027. The facility is expected to assemble CHENGLONG light trucks with an annual planned capacity of 1,000 units. Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor will provide product technology and assembly processes, while Vinh Phat Motors will manage local manufacturing and Hai Au Motor Investment will oversee market development and customer service. The facility is also planned to become CHENGLONG's first CKD plant in ASEAN, expanding its regional manufacturing footprint while supporting its established commercial vehicle presence in Vietnam.