Vietnamese automaker Kim Long Motor says it will launch a passenger manufacturing plant in Vietnam with Chinese automaker Changan, Kallanish Power Materials reports.
Their cooperation agreement covers vehicle production with a focus on five to seven-seat cars. Production capacity is planned at 50,000 units a year, with construction set to start this year.
“The first line-up will feature Deepal-branded vehicles, with five models expected to launch within the next three ¾years, catering to Vietnam’s demand for green and smart tourism,” says King Long.
Deepal is the new energy vehicle arm of Changan Auto. Currently, it has five models: the extended-range crossover G318, the extended-range SUV S09, the extended-range or battery electric SUV S07 and S05, and the extended-range or battery electric car L07.
The companies intend to target both the domestic and international markets, as Kim Long prioritises exports as a core development strategy.
The plant’s production lines will run on Changan’s technology. The plan is for the companies to reach a 40% localisation rate at the beginning of operations and then exceed 80% in the second quarter of 2026. It’s unclear when exactly production is scheduled to begin.
