On July 4, BYD celebrated two significant milestones in Rayong, Thailand: the completion of its Thai factory and the production of its 8 millionth new energy vehicle. The event marked a key moment in BYD’s global expansion. Attendees included Ms. Pingpala Wichaikorn, Thailand’s Minister of Industry; Mr. Han Zhiqiang, the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand; Mr. Nali Tesathirasa, Secretary-General of the Thailand Investment Promotion Board; Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD; and other senior BYD executives.
The Thai factory, which began construction 16 months prior, boasts an annual production capacity of approximately 150,000 vehicles. It encompasses stamping, painting, welding, final assembly, and component production processes and is anticipated to create 10,000 jobs. The factory’s grand opening was marked by the roll-out of BYD’s 8 millionth new energy vehicle, the “Dolphin” model, a momentous event for the company.
Minister Pinpala Wichaikhun praised BYD for its contributions to the new energy vehicle sector, stating, “BYD is a leading global automaker and a pioneer in China’s new energy vehicle industry. BYD’s investment in Thailand and its advanced production technology will drive the growth of the new energy vehicle industry in Thailand and ASEAN.”
Ambassador Han Zhiqiang highlighted the strong partnership between China and Thailand, noting, “As a standout in the global new energy vehicle industry, BYD’s completion of the Thai factory and the launch of the 8 millionth vehicle signify a major achievement and a new chapter in China-Thailand cooperation.”
Mr. Wang Chuanfu expressed gratitude to the Chinese and Thai governments, customers, and partners. He noted BYD’s rapid acceptance in the Thai market, where it has been the leading pure electric vehicle seller for 18 months. BYD currently accounts for one in every three pure electric vehicles sold in Thailand, with plans to introduce more electric and plug-in hybrid models.
As a global leader in new energy vehicles, BYD has aggressively expanded its international presence. In 2023, the company’s export sales of passenger vehicles surged by 337% to 243,000 units. In the first half of this year, BYD’s global sales of new energy passenger vehicles reached 1.607 million units, a 28.8% increase from the previous year. Of this, 203,000 units were sold overseas, a 173.8% increase year-over-year. BYD’s vehicles are now available in 88 countries and regions, with production facilities in Thailand, Brazil, Hungary, and Uzbekistan.
From reaching its 1 millionth new energy vehicle milestone in May 2021 to the 8 millionth just over three years later, BYD continues to expand its global footprint. The company remains committed to leveraging advanced technology and innovation to meet the diverse needs of consumers worldwide.
