In an electrifying move that could reshape the automotive landscape in Southeast Asia, GAC AION—a major player in the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) industry—has struck a strategic partnership with Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI). Together, they’re diving headfirst into a collaboration that aims to supercharge Thailand’s burgeoning EV sector. The spotlight was on “AION Sourcing Day,” a grand event where the duo sought out local parts suppliers to fuel the ignition of their upcoming EV production, anticipated to take off in 2025. The grand scale of this initiative positions Thailand as an exhilarating hub for EV production across ASEAN. With the participation of 74 companies, the potential procurement value from local parts is expected to skyrocket past a whopping 2.25 billion THB.
Mr. Ocean Ma, the dynamic Managing Director of AION Automobile Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd., radiated confidence in Thailand’s future as a powerhouse in the EV industry. “We’re all in!” he declared, underscoring GAC AION’s unwavering commitment to Thailand’s stellar “30@30” policy. Through hands-on actions, GAC AION aspires to nurture Thailand’s evolution into a mega production and export hub for EVs in Southeast Asia. Their grand strategy is all about long-term growth, harmonious partnerships, and environmental sustainability. The plan? Expand their roots in Thailand, while cultivating a locally integrated system that sings to global tunes. Ocean Ma beamed, “This Sourcing Day is a testament to our pledge to harness quality local resources, elevating the industrial ecosystem to new heights.”
GAC AION’s sibling, AION Automobile Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., is no small player on the field. They’re a commanding force globally in the new energy vehicle arena, selling over 480,000 units annually at a breakneck growth pace of 77% per year. The year 2023 marked a historic commitment from GAC AION with a hefty 5.6 billion THB investment to lay down a manufacturing beacon in Thailand, hardwired to produce 20,000 EV units annually. This venture marks a new chapter as their first overseas new energy vehicle base, with thrilling plans to rev up further investments in Thailand, including a state-of-the-art battery production facility to turbocharge their EV assembly line.
The buzz was palpable on November 6, 2024, when Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, BOI’s Secretary-General, and Mr. Ocean Ma, the trailblazing CEO of AION Automobile Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., co-authored the “GAC AION Sourcing Day” at the grand Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok. Their mission was crystal clear: handpick parts from local artisans to fire up GAC AION’s EV production line, revving to start in early 2025. They zeroed in on suppliers across seven critical categories—Interior, Exterior, Electrical & Electronic, Chassis, Car Body, Traction Motor, and Battery Parts. The allure was irresistible, drawing over 74 keen suppliers to the event.
“This is more than an event,” stated Mr. Narit triumphantly. “It’s a cornerstone of the alliance between BOI and GAC AION to pioneer Thailand’s EV tableau. Amplifying the capabilities of local automotive parts suppliers while weaving them into the EV supply chain tapestry. It encompasses local procurement, manufacturing collaborations, tech transfers, and joint ventures with foreign powerhouses—creating a windfall of mutual benefits. GAC AION’s access to premium, seasoned suppliers in its locality is a masterstroke, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and trimming logistics costs. Simultaneously, Thai suppliers unlock advanced technology, lucrative business prospects, and the dividends of investment from a top-tier international player.”
For those craving the thrill of AION and HYPTEC’s cutting-edge electric vehicles, packed with world-class intelligent features, test drives are readily available across AION service centres nationwide. You’re invited to star in your very own EV adventure!
Want to delve deeper? Cruise over to:
- Website: GAC AION Website
- Facebook: AION Thailand on Facebook
- Instagram: @aion_thailand
- X (Twitter): @AION_TH
- TikTok: @aion_thailand
Make your next ride electric with AION—reinventing the journey!
This is a fantastic initiative! It’s about time Thailand gets a piece of the EV industry pie.
I couldn’t agree more! This is a huge step towards sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Beyond just sustainability, it’s a great economic opportunity for Thailand as well.
Don’t be fooled—the big corporations are just in it for the money.
It’s exciting to see an international company like GAC AION investing so heavily in Thailand!
Yeah, but let’s not overlook potential local job losses in traditional car manufacturing.
The job market will evolve with time. New skills, better jobs.
I wonder how much of this is just corporate PR spin. What’s the real impact on small local businesses?
Perhaps, but it gives local suppliers a chance to enter global markets.
Local businesses have to adapt to progress, it’s how technology works.
Adapting isn’t always easy when big corporations set the agenda.
I think this move will put Thailand on the global map for EV production.
It could, but will Thai workers receive fair pay compared to global standards?
Why aren’t they looking to use more renewable energy sources in their production process though?
Seems like a lot of foreign investment concentrated in one place. Should we worry about dependency?
Cutting-edge tech is great and all, but has anyone seen their EV designs? Seems kinda outdated to me.
Function over form! Sometimes the best tech looks simple because it IS simple.
I’m a little skeptical about how this will affect local mechanics and traditional car businesses.
They’ll adapt. Mechanics were worried when fuel injection replaced carburetors too.
More electric vehicles on the road, more strain on the electricity grid. How will we manage?
Battery production facility sounds interesting. I hope they focus on recycling too.
Exactly, sustainability should not only be about what powers the vehicle but the whole lifecycle.
Precisely, I hope AION considers this deeply in their plans.
Finally, an Asian country stepping up in the EV game. When is Southeast Asia going autonomous?
I hope the environmental regulations will be strictly enforced.
Environmental regulations tend to be flexible when big money is involved, unfortunately.
What about the infrastructure? Thailand needs better charging stations.
Indeed, what’s the use of buying an EV if you can’t find a place to charge it?
EV production aligns well with Thailand’s sustainable development goals. Let’s see how execution pans out.
I think the real winners here are the Thai parts suppliers. They’re getting a major boost!
But will they be able to keep up with the demand, though?