Cambodia’s automotive assembly industry is expanding with the official opening of a $19.3 million GAC vehicle assembly plant in Kampong Chhnang, adding new production capacity and jobs to the country’s growing manufacturing sector.
The facility, operated by TH Automotive Manufacturing, was inaugurated in Khnay Kok village, Kampong Tralach district. The 11 hectare plant employs 250 local workers and two foreign technicians and has annual production capacity of up to 20,000 vehicles.
Key Facts
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | $19.3 million |
| Operator | TH Automotive Manufacturing |
| Location | Khnay Kok village, Kampong Tralach district, Kampong Chhnang |
| Plant size | 11 hectares |
| Local workers | 250 |
| Foreign technicians | 2 |
| Annual production capacity | 20,000 vehicles |
| Domestic market allocation | 90% |
| Export allocation | 10% |
| Trial operations began | March 2026 |
| Vehicles produced during trial | 213 |
| Assembly brands | GAC and Chevrolet |
| GAC assembly rights | Secured from GAC International in 2025 |
| Cambodian ownership | Nom Tong 51%; Nom Hav 49% |
| Automotive assembly plants in Cambodia | 13 established between 2011 and 2026 |
| Combined investment in assembly plants | About $245.7 million |
$19.3 Million Plant Adds New Assembly Capacity
The new facility represents another step in Cambodia’s development of domestic automotive assembly.
TH Automotive Manufacturing, a subsidiary of TH Group, operates the plant after securing exclusive rights from GAC International in 2025 to assemble vehicles in Cambodia.
The company is fully Cambodian owned, with Nom Tong holding a 51% stake and Nom Hav holding the remaining 49%.
The facility assembles GAC and Chevrolet vehicles, with a stated annual capacity of 20,000 units.
90% of Production Targeted for Cambodia
The plant’s production strategy is primarily focused on the domestic market.
Of its annual capacity:
| Market | Planned Share | Potential Annual Units |
|---|---|---|
| Cambodia | 90% | Up to 18,000 |
| Export | 10% | Up to 2,000 |
| Total | 100% | Up to 20,000 |
The figures represent the plant’s stated capacity allocation rather than confirmed annual production or export volumes.
The export component gives the facility a potential role in Cambodia’s broader efforts to develop manufacturing capacity linked to regional markets.
Trial Production Started in March
The plant began trial operations in March 2026 and produced 213 vehicles before its official launch.
The transition from trial production to formal operations marks the next stage in the development of the facility.
Its 20,000 unit annual capacity also represents a significant addition to Cambodia’s domestic vehicle assembly capability.
Cambodia Now Has 13 Automotive Assembly Plants
Industry data cited in the source show that Cambodia had established 13 automotive assembly plants between 2011 and 2026.
Together, the facilities represent approximately $245.7 million in investment.
The assembly plants are located across:
- Koh Kong
- Svay Rieng
- Pursat
- Banteay Meanchey
- Kampong Speu
- Kandal
- Phnom Penh
- Preah Sihanouk
- Kampong Chhnang
The geographic spread indicates that automotive assembly is no longer concentrated in a single Cambodian industrial location.
Automotive Manufacturing Creates Local Jobs
The new GAC plant currently employs 250 Cambodian workers, alongside two foreign technicians.
Beyond direct employment, automotive assembly can also create demand for supporting activities such as parts supply, logistics, vehicle distribution, maintenance and technical services.
The development of local assembly capacity can therefore connect vehicle manufacturing with a wider industrial ecosystem.
Cambodia’s Manufacturing Sector Expands
The automotive sector is developing within a broader expansion of Cambodian manufacturing.
By July 2026, Cambodia had 3,357 factories employing approximately 1.36 million workers, with total investment exceeding $28 billion.
Manufacturing output during the first half of 2026 reached approximately $9.83 billion, representing a 65% increase compared with the same period a year earlier.
| Manufacturing Indicator | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Factories by July | 3,357 |
| Workers | 1.36 million |
| Investment | More than $28 billion |
| H1 manufacturing output | $9.83 billion |
| H1 output growth | 65% year on year |
More Automotive Projects Under Development
Cambodia’s automotive assembly pipeline is continuing to expand.
The source identifies additional projects involving:
- KNN Automotive in Kandal
- ZDG Assembly in Kandal
- ZO Motors in Pursat
These projects could further increase Cambodia’s vehicle assembly capacity as the industry develops.
Building a Broader Automotive Industry
The growth of vehicle assembly represents an opportunity to develop capabilities beyond final vehicle production.
As more assembly facilities become operational, demand can potentially increase for local technical workers, component suppliers, logistics services and automotive maintenance.
The expansion also provides Cambodia with additional experience in manufacturing and vehicle production, while the export component of new facilities could support the country's efforts to integrate more deeply into regional manufacturing networks.
Angkor Times Analysis
The opening of the $19.3 million GAC plant adds another significant facility to Cambodia’s developing automotive assembly base. Its 20,000 vehicle annual capacity, combined with the stated 90% domestic and 10% export allocation, gives the plant both a domestic manufacturing role and a potential connection to regional markets.
The broader figures are equally important. With 13 automotive assembly plants representing about $245.7 million in combined investment, Cambodia is gradually building an automotive manufacturing footprint. The longer-term impact will depend on production utilization, development of local suppliers, workforce skills and the ability of manufacturers to integrate Cambodia into regional automotive supply chains.
FAQs
How much was invested in the new GAC plant?
The GAC assembly facility represents an investment of $19.3 million.
Where is the GAC plant located?
The facility is located in Khnay Kok village, Kampong Tralach district, Kampong Chhnang province.
How many vehicles can the plant produce?
The plant has an annual production capacity of 20,000 vehicles.
How much of the production is intended for the Cambodian market?
The plant plans to allocate 90% of its production to the domestic market and 10% for export.
Which brands does the plant assemble?
The facility assembles GAC and Chevrolet vehicles.
How many people does the plant employ?
The plant employs 250 local workers and two foreign technicians.
When did trial production begin?
Trial operations began in March 2026, with 213 vehicles produced before the official launch.
How many automotive assembly plants does Cambodia have?
Industry data cited in the source indicate that 13 automotive assembly plants were established in Cambodia between 2011 and 2026.