- The Chery Thailand EV Manufacturing Plant opening in Rayong was postponed at short notice due to executive unavailability.
- Despite the delay, Chery confirmed production plans and investment timelines remain unchanged.
The Chery Thailand EV Manufacturing Plant in Rayong faced an unexpected development after its official opening ceremony, originally set for February 26, 2026, was abruptly postponed. Guests were informed less than 24 hours before the scheduled event, creating uncertainty across Thailand’s automotive ecosystem. Despite the delay, the company confirmed that the Chery Thailand EV Manufacturing Plant project timeline remains intact and production targets are unaffected.
Unexpected Postponement of Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the Chery Thailand EV Manufacturing Plant was called off at the last minute, with stakeholders receiving late notification the previous evening. According to Omoda & Jaecoo Thailand, the postponement resulted from unforeseen circumstances that prevented a senior executive from Chery Automobile Group from attending the event.
Official Statement and Clarification
In its formal communication, Omoda & Jaecoo Thailand expressed regret for the inconvenience and emphasized that the Chery Thailand EV Manufacturing Plant remains on schedule. However, no revised inauguration date has yet been announced, leaving industry observers awaiting further clarification.
Investment Scale and Production Capacity
The Chery Thailand EV Manufacturing Plant represents a significant capital commitment exceeding THB 5 billion. Spread across 104 rai in Rayong, the facility is designed with an annual production capacity of 80,000 units to serve both domestic and export markets.
Localization and Local Content Strategy
The Rayong plant will initially operate with a local content target of 40–50%, with plans to raise localization to 70–80% within five years. This strategy aligns the Chery Thailand EV Manufacturing Plant with Thailand’s broader automotive industrial policy and supply chain development goals.
Production Roadmap Under Thailand’s EV Policy
Production at the Chery Thailand EV Manufacturing Plant was scheduled to begin between February and March 2026. The first model planned for rollout is the JAECOO 5 EV, introduced under Thailand’s EV 3.5 scheme, which supports electrification through structured policy incentives.
Future Model Expansion Plans
Following the JAECOO 5 EV, the company intends to introduce the OMODA 4 and potentially the CHERY QQ. These additions would strengthen the Chery Thailand EV Manufacturing Plant’s portfolio and position Thailand as a strategic production hub for regional export markets.
Industry Reaction and Operational Outlook
Last-minute event cancellations are uncommon within Thailand’s automotive sector, particularly for major manufacturing investments. While the postponement generated temporary uncertainty, no operational disruptions have been formally reported.
Chery Automobile Group has not yet provided additional details regarding the cause of the postponement. Nonetheless, official communication confirms that construction progress, localization targets, and planned EV production at the Chery Thailand EV Manufacturing Plant continue as scheduled.
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