Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor is evaluating local completely knocked-down (CKD) assembly in Thailand, with a proposed annual capacity of 60,000 to 80,000 units.
The company is considering the investment as it establishes direct operations in Thailand through newly registered subsidiary Leapmotor (Thailand) Co Ltd, which has registered capital of 100 million baht.
According to Leapmotor Thailand general manager Liam Liu, speaking to Bangkok Business News, the company has yet to decide how it would establish local production.
Options under consideration include using an existing contract assembler, forming a joint venture, acquiring a factory or building its own facility. A technical team from China is expected to visit Thailand in November to assess the available manufacturing options.
The plans remain at the evaluation stage, with no confirmed investment amount, factory location or production timetable.
Leapmotor previously distributed its vehicles in Thailand through Phra Nakhon Yontrakan (PNA), which will continue operating two Bangkok showrooms under the new arrangement.
According to Leapmotor Thailand, it aims to expand its local sales and service network to 30 outlets by the end of 2026, followed by 65 in 2027 and 100 in 2028.
Its Thai model range currently includes the C10 and B10 electric SUVs, with the smaller B03X scheduled for introduction on Oct 31. Liu said Leapmotor is targeting 10,000 vehicle sales in Thailand in 2027.
Outside China, Leapmotor operates through Leapmotor International, a joint venture with Stellantis that handles the brand’s expansion into markets outside Greater China.
