GAC AION, a leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, teamed up with Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) for “AION Sourcing Day,” aimed at sourcing local parts suppliers.

This initiative marks a step toward establishing Thailand as an EV production hub in ASEAN, with the EV production launch set for 2025. Seventy-four companies attended, with anticipated local parts procurement projected to exceed 2.25 billion THB.

Ocean Ma, Managing Director of AION Automobile Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd., shared GAC AION’s commitment to supporting Thailand’s “30@30” policy, which aims to make Thailand a hub for EV production and exports across Southeast Asia.

GAC AION plans to grow its operations in Thailand by building an integrated supply chain that emphasizes sustainability and mutual growth. “Through this sourcing event, we strengthen our commitment to incorporating high-quality local resources to enhance Thailand’s EV industry,” Ma said.

AION Automobile Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a global leader in EV production, ranks in the top three global new energy vehicle manufacturers, with over 480,000 units sold annually and an annual growth rate of 77%.

In 2023, GAC AION announced a 5.6 billion THB investment to establish its first overseas plant in Thailand, targeting annual production of 20,000 EVs. The company also plans to set up a local battery production facility to support its EV assembly operations.

On November 6, 2024, GAC AION and BOI organized the “AION Sourcing Day” at Bangkok’s Rama Gardens Hotel. This event, attended by more than 74 suppliers, focused on sourcing local parts for GAC AION’s upcoming EV production line in Thailand, which begins in early 2025.

The company is seeking suppliers for seven essential component categories, including Interior, Exterior, Electrical and Electronics, Chassis, Body, Traction Motor, and Battery Parts.

“The collaboration between BOI and GAC AION is a positive step for Thailand’s EV industry. By connecting GAC AION with local suppliers, we aim to increase access for Thai automotive suppliers to the EV supply chain, promote technology transfers, and encourage joint ventures with international companies,” stated Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of BOI.

This partnership allows Thai suppliers to benefit from advanced technology, new business opportunities, and the advantages of a foreign investment in the EV sector, which will also reduce logistics costs by keeping production local.