SHENZHEN-BASED carmaker BYD has reached a new delivery milestone in Thailand as its local factory in the Southeast Asian country’s Rayong Province marks one year of operation. The new energy vehicle (NEV) maker delivered its 90,000th vehicle in Thailand, a D9 MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) from its premium sub-brand Denza, according to a statement released Tuesday. Wang Chuanfu, chairman and president of BYD Co. Ltd., officially delivered the 90,000th NEV to Nualphan Lamsam, president of the Football Association of Thailand. The company also unveiled the first locally produced BYD SEAL 5, a plug-in hybrid model manufactured at the Rayong factory. “BYD’s success in Thailand highlights the country’s commitment to developing its electric vehicle industry,” said Sumet Tangprasert, acting governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT). Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD’s Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, said the company aims not only to provide advanced technology and quality products to Thai consumers but also to promote people-to-people connectivity through employment, disaster relief efforts, and energy support initiatives. Entering the Thai market in 2022, BYD has rapidly grown into one of the Southeast Asian country’s leading EV brands. The company’s Rayong factory now employs over 6,100 Thai workers, with local employees accounting for more than 90% of the workforce. The plant is capable of producing 150,000 units annually and has realized full-process localized production. It sold 21,458 vehicles in Thailand in the first five months of this year, up 66.5% year on year. (Xinhua) | 