FAWCAR opens Vientiane experience store, launches two new energy SUVs

FAWCAR officially opened its new brand experience store in Vientiane on Monday, alongside the launch of two new energy vehicle models, the JOYEE S04 pure electric SUV and JOYEE S08 plug-in hybrid SUV.
The launch of two new energy vehicle models marked another significant step in the company’s expansion into the Lao market.
The JOYEE S04 445km version is priced at US$22,500, while the 565km version is priced at US$23,800. The JOYEE S08 PHEV 210km version is priced at US$24,800.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Head of Office of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Dr Bouavanh Vilavong, together with government representatives, members of the Chinese-Lao business community, business partners, media representatives, well-known local influencers, customers and other distinguished guests.

The new Vientiane experience store brings together vehicle displays, test drives, sales consultation and after-sales services, providing Lao consumers with a one-stop platform to experience FAWCAR’s new energy vehicle products.
With more than 70 years of automotive manufacturing experience, FAWCAR draws on the manufacturing foundation and technology of China FAW, a major state-owned automotive group.
The company has three core brands: HONGQI, a high-end luxury brand; BESTUNE, a mainstream mid-to-upper-range brand; and JOYEE, a mid-to-upper-range new energy vehicle brand. FAWCAR said the total number of vehicles sold and currently in use has exceeded 4.5 million units.
As it expands into ASEAN markets, the company is leveraging its new energy vehicle technology, supply chain and service systems. The China-Laos Railway is also expected to facilitate vehicle deliveries and spare-parts supplies, helping strengthen after-sales support in Laos.
The JOYEE S04 is designed as a pure electric SUV for urban commuting, family travel and leisure use.
It features a 1.2-square-metre panoramic glass roof with Low-E heat-insulating glass, designed to improve cabin comfort in Laos’ tropical climate. Its aerodynamic design gives the vehicle a drag coefficient of 0.248, while electricity consumption is as low as 11.8 kWh per 100km.
The S04 is offered with 445km and 565km CLTC driving ranges, providing options for both everyday driving and longer trips.
With a 2,750mm wheelbase, 22 storage compartments and luggage capacity expandable from 415 litres to 1,601 litres, the SUV offers flexible space for family use.

Its interior includes a 14.6-inch central display, L2 intelligent driver assistance, 360-degree surround-view cameras and a transparent chassis-view system. A standard 3.3kW V2L function allows the vehicle to supply power to external equipment for activities such as camping and outdoor recreation.
Safety features include a high-strength cage-type body structure, with high-strength steel accounting for up to 73 percent of the body-in-white, while its bumper beams use steel rated at up to 2,000 MPa. FAWCAR said the battery enclosure has also undergone 169 extreme safety tests.
The JOYEE S08 is a plug-in hybrid SUV designed to combine fuel efficiency, long-distance driving capability, performance and interior space.
It is powered by a 1.5TD turbocharged engine with thermal efficiency of up to 45.21 percent, paired with a high-efficiency hybrid transmission. The vehicle offers a pure-electric range of up to 200km, while its combined range with a full tank and fully charged battery can reach 1,500km. Fuel consumption under low-battery conditions is rated at 3.9 litres per 100km.

A 168kW electric motor enables acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds. The S08 supports fast charging from 30 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes, as well as 6.6kW AC charging.
The spacious cabin provides 33 storage compartments and luggage capacity expandable to 1,800 litres. The vehicle also features a high-strength body structure and battery protection system supporting IP68 and IPX9K protection ratings.
FAWCAR has organised a 1,500km cross-border test drive from Vientiane to Phnom Penh in Cambodia, to demonstrate the vehicles’ adaptability to regional driving conditions.
The S04 is being used to assess urban and suburban driving performance, energy consumption and comfort, while the S08 is undergoing testing of long-distance range, road adaptability, stability and durability.
FAWCAR Country Manager for Laos Zhang Ziming said Laos is an important market in the company’s ASEAN expansion strategy, with the new store representing a concrete step towards establishing a long-term presence in the country.
FAWCAR plans to strengthen local sales, maintenance, spare-parts supply and after-sales services while continuing to adapt its products to Lao consumers’ needs.
The company’s local strategic partner said the Vientiane experience store would provide integrated services ranging from consultation and test drives to vehicle delivery and after-sales support. It also plans to develop a professional technical team and provide regular training to ensure reliable long-term service.
FAWCAR plans to use Vientiane as a base from which to gradually expand its dealership and service network to other cities across Laos, while introducing more new energy vehicle products and contributing to the development of greener transportation in the country.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 18, 2026)