AsianFin -- Hesai Group, the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive lidar sensors, plans to establish its first production facility outside mainland China in Southeast Asia, the company said Wednesday.

Chief Financial Officer Andrew Fan revealed that the Shanghai-based firm recently signed a land lease for the project, with construction slated to begin later this year and production expected to commence by late 2026. He did not disclose the exact location or financial terms of the investment.

The new plant will manufacture light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors — devices that use laser beams to measure distances — for global automakers developing next-generation smart vehicles, Fan said.

The move marks a significant step in Hesai’s international expansion strategy as it seeks to deepen ties with overseas customers and diversify its manufacturing footprint amid rising geopolitical tensions and evolving global supply chain dynamics.