China Auto Daily丨Chongqing’s First Overseas NEV Factory in Thailand Begins Production

Chongqing’s First Overseas NEV Production Base Begins Operations  

Changan Automobile’s Rayong plant in Thailand commenced production on May 16, marking Chongqing’s first overseas new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing hub. The facility, which produced Changan’s 28.59 millionth global vehicle at its launch, covers 300 hectares with an investment of ฿8.8 billion (USD 240 million). It features five core workshops—welding, painting, assembly, engine assembly, and battery production—and supports Chongqing’s “Auto Export Initiative.” Construction began in November 2023, targeting annual output of 100,000 units for ASEAN markets.  

NIO Launches Refreshed ES6 and EC6 with In-House Chip  

NIO unveiled updated ES6 and EC6 SUVs on May 16, priced from RMB 338,000 (USD 46,800) and RMB 358,000 (USD 49,600), respectively. Under battery leasing (BaaS), prices start at RMB 268,000 (USD 37,100) and RMB 288,000 (USD 39,900). The models feature NIO’s self-developed NX9031 chip, upgraded suspension tuning, and enhanced interior materials. The ES6’s drag coefficient drops to 0.25Cd, while the EC6 gains a 1,016 TOPS ADAS suite with lidar. Deliveries begin June 1.  

BYD’s €248M Europe HQ in Hungary to Create 2,000 Jobs  

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced BYD’s European headquarters in Budapest will receive ฿20 billion (USD 54.3 million) in government subsidies as part of a ฿100 billion (USD 248 million) investment. The facility, unveiled on May 16, will house R&D, certification, and localized design teams, supporting BYD’s goal to capture 10% of Europe’s EV market by 2027. The project aligns with Hungary’s push to become a NEV manufacturing hub, attracting CATL and Mercedes-Benz battery plants.  

Dongfeng Fulwin Lingzhi NEV Series Launches from RMB 99,800 (USD 13,800)  

Dongfeng Fulwin debuted its Lingzhi NEV lineup on May 18, offering pure electric (420 km CLTC) and range-extended (900 km total) commercial vans. The electric variant starts at RMB 109,800 (USD 15,200) with a 64.4 kWh LFP battery and 35-minute fast charging, while the range-extender model costs RMB 109,800–113,800 (USD 15,200–15,800). Both target logistics fleets with sub-RMB 0.1/km operating costs. Limited-time swap discounts drop prices to RMB 99,800–103,800 (USD 13,800–14,400).  

2026 Leapmotor C10 Launches at RMB 122,800 (USD 17,000) with 8295P Chip  

Leapmotor launched the 2026 C10 SUV on May 15, priced from RMB 122,800 (USD 17,000) for its 800V SiC-based EV/EREV models. The tech upgrade includes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295P cockpit chip, Leapmotor OS 4.0 Plus with dual AI assistants (DeepSeek and Tongyi Qianwen), and optional lidar-enabled Navigate-on-Pilot. The EREV variant offers 1,200 km CLTC range, while the EV version charges 10-80% in 18 minutes.  

*(Exchange rate: RMB 7.2161 = USD 1)*