Changan now exporting EVs from Thailand to Europe
Changan Automobile has started shipping vehicles from its factory in Rayong, Thailand to Europe, beginning with 2,000 units made up of the Deepal S07 and the Deepal S05 which are en route to the UK.
Cosco Shipping Specialised Carriers is reported to be moving a percentage of the vehicles on its dual-fuel LNG carrier, the Yong Le Kou. According to a spokesperson, the Chinese carmaker will be making monthly shipments between Thailand and the UK.
The first volume left the Thai port of Laem Chabang on December 26, 2025 and is due to dock at the UK port of Bristol on January 25, 2026. Cosco’s vessel is continuing on to the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, and then to the ports of Drammen in Norway and Bremerhaven in Germany.
A standard import tariff of 10% and additional import VAT of 20% is being applied to the imports but Changan’s production strategy for the UK remains unchanged. “The Thailand facility is a strategically important plant within Changan’s global manufacturing layout. Its location also enables efficient and flexible logistics to key [right-hand-drive] markets while also benefiting from Thailand’s excellent network of local talent,” said a spokesperson for Changan Automobile.
The company said its intention is to produce vehicles for EU markets within Europe as the next phase of its global expansion.
Finished vehicle logistics in the UK is being handled by Changan Min Sheng and cars will be delivered to local dealership partners, many of which are already open for business with the Deepal S07, according to the spokesperson. The company currently has 40 dealership contracts confirmed.
