BMW Group has broken ground on a manufacturing facility for Gen-5 high-voltage batteries in Rayong, Thailand. 

The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by BMW Production board member Milan Nedeljković, representatives of the Thai Government, and the German ambassador to Thailand Ernst Reichel. 

This 4,000m² facility is expected to bolster BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand's business operations. 

The new assembly line is designed to transform imported battery cells into modules for integration into high-voltage batteries.  

This development is part of BMW's strategy to enhance its production of BEVs, with BEV production at the site set to commence in the second half of 2025. 

Nedeljković said: “Local production of high-voltage batteries in Rayong is the next logical step in the continued electrification of our production network.  

“Once again, the principle of ‘local for local’ applies, supporting economic development, employment opportunities and knowledge transfer in Thailand and the ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] region.” 

BMW Group's investment in the project exceeds Bt1.6bn ($44.62m), with approximately Bt1.4bn allocated for the procurement of advanced equipment and systems.  

Since 2019, BMW Group has been manufacturing high-voltage batteries in Thailand for its locally produced plug-in hybrids.  

The Rayong plant, which produces a range of BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad models, serves both the Thai market and various ASEAN markets.  

In 2023, the plant's output reached more than 12,000 cars and nearly 11,000 motorcycles. 

The latest development comes after BMW Group announced its plans to build an advanced Talent Campus in Munich, Germany, last December. 

This campus will be constructed on the location of a former car park in Riesenfeldstraße.