BANGKOK: China's JuneYao Airlines and its sibling JuneYao Automobile may not ring any bells. But both are part of the JuneYao Group, a prominent Chinese conglomerate with diversified interests.
The auto part of Juneyao is making a foray into Thailand with the so-called JY Air electric sedan.
The compact electric vehicle (EV), unveiled at the Thailand Motor Expo 2024 (Nov 29-Dec 10), is priced from 899,000 baht (RM117,000) and promises a range of up to 520km (NEDC). The car comes with an eight-year warranty.
According to CarNewsChina.com, the Thai launch preceded its domestic debut, possibly because China is a crowded cut-throat market for EVs right now. It would appear that launching the car overseas first give it the best possible chance of success.
The JY Air boasts an aerodynamic design, measuring 4,550mm in length with a drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd. Its cabin features advanced technology, including a Snapdragon 8155-powered main screen with a 3D cockpit system, L2+ driving assistance, and a large sunroof.
It offers two battery options from CATL: a 51kWh pack with a 430km range and a 64kWh pack with a 520km range. Charging capabilities include 70kW and 138kW DC fast charging.
Thai buyers would have a choice of two trims.
The Standard trim starts at 899,000 baht, while the top-trim model is priced at 1,018,000 baht (RM132,000).
Early buyers will receive a suite of perks, including a three-year JuneYao Air gold membership and a one-year insurance package.
CarNewsChina.com reported that JuneYao Automobile is eyeing a local assembly plant in Thailand by 2025 to strengthen its presence in the EV-friendly market.
However, it's expected to face strong competition from established players like BYD, whose Atto 3 crossover starts at a lower price point.
While JuneYao has yet to say when the JY Air would be sold in its home market, it is already firming up plans to enter other overseas markets, including potential assembly operations in Kazakhstan.
Now a bit of background on the parent company JuneYao Group. As with many business opportunities, the group was in the right place at the right time.
It ventured into the EV market in 2023 after acquiring the assets of Yudo Auto, a struggling low-cost Chinese EV maker that was set up in 2015.
Yudo had ceased production twice, most recently in 2022, after selling fewer than 20,000 cars over four years.
The JuneYao Group revived Yudo’s facilities, launching its automotive subsidiary and developing the JY Air sedan.
