(Yicai Global) Nov. 11 -- Hozon Auto has signed a strategic partnership deal with Thailand's state-owned oil and gas company PTT, paving the way for the Chinese electric vehicle startup to enter the EV markets of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Through the partnership, the pair will integrate Thailand’s local resources and Hozon Auto’s product and service advantages to promote the development of the pure-electric car market in the southeast Asian country, the automaker said via WeChat yesterday.

At the annual China-ASEAN Expo held in September, Hozon Auto launched its right-hand-drive Nezha 5, the only pure-electric right-hand drive mass-produced by a new energy vehicle maker, to meet demand in ASEAN countries.

“The right-hand-drive Nezha 5, which is built targeting different car demands in overseas markets, will be first launched in Thailand to bring the country a high-quality intelligent driving experience,” said co-founder and Chief Executive Zhang Yong. “Hozon Auto, centered on Thailand, will also enter the new energy vehicle markets of other ASEAN countries and provide travel-related services.”

Founded in 2014, Hozon unveiled its first mass-produced vehicle in 2018. Last year, the Tongxiang, Zhejiang province-based carmaker sold almost 15,100 vehicles. It delivered 8,107 cars last month, up four times from a year earlier, setting a new record for a ninth consecutive month.

PTT is the largest producer and seller of petrochemical products in Thailand. Founded in 1978 and based in Bangkok, PPT produces, sells, and transports natural gas, crude oil, lubricants, aviation, marine, and petrochemical products.

Editor: Futura Costaglione