The BMW Group announced a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Rayong, Thailand, to support an upcoming electric car scheduled to go into production in 2025.
The forthcoming high-voltage battery assembly facility will have a footprint of 4,000 square metres and is an important addition to the business activities of BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand. The new assembly line will convert imported battery cells into modules that will then be integrated into high-voltage batteries.
The BMW Group has invested more than 1.6 billion baht (approx. 42 million euros) in the project, a significant share of which – almost 1.4 billion baht (approx. 36 million euros) – will be used to buy state-of-the-art equipment and systems.
The BMW Group has been producing high-voltage batteries in Thailand for locally made plug-in hybrids since 2019. Plant Rayong manufactures around two dozen BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad models for the Thai as well as various ASEAN markets. In 2023 output totalled more than 12,000 cars and almost 11,000 motorcycles.
Employees will undergo comprehensive training programmes, which will be delivered in the global production network with the aim of improving the technical skills of local staff through knowledge transfer. The investment in professional training and development also underscores the BMW Group’s commitment to advancing the Thai economy.
As well as developing its own workforce, the BMW Group is very much involved in boosting industry in Thailand and the global transition to mobility solutions that help conserve resources. This year it is collaborating with UNICEF in Thailand to improve career opportunities for young people through a targeted STEM education programme, training and careers advice.
