China to set up an auto research institute in Thailand as EVs gain traction

Setting up CATARC, a Chinese government affiliated auto research institute, will help Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Thailand

Chinese carmakers, including BYD and Great Wall Motor, have committed to investing US$1.44 billion in new production facilities in Thailand

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Liu Xueliang, the general manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, addresses the signing ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 8, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 4:20pm, 8 Dec 2023Updated: 11:11am, 25 Jul 2025

China will establish a China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) in regional automobile hub Thailand, Thailand’s government said on Friday, the centre’s fourth such facility in the world.

Thai government tax incentives and subsidies have already drawn Chinese carmakers, including BYD and Great Wall Motor, which have committed to investing US$1.44 billion in new production facilities in the country.

CATARC, a Chinese government affiliated auto research institute, has centres in Germany, Switzerland and Japan and the latest one will facilitate Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Thailand, Thai government official Chai Wacharonke said in a statement.

Thailand is Southeast Asia’s largest car producer and exporter, with Japanese manufacturers including Toyota Motor Corp and Isuzu Motors dominating the domestic sector for decades.

Visitors view a BYD Dolphin EV car at the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok, Thailand, March 23, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Thailand aims to convert about a third of its annual production of 2.5 million vehicles into EVs by 2030 and is preparing incentives to encourage more investment and conversion into EV manufacturing.