Apr 24, 2026
In recent times, Changan Automobile has been highly active, successively signaling major developments across its global strategy, export footprint, and brand integration efforts. The strategic evolution—shifting from merely "exporting products" to "exporting industrial capabilities"—not only demonstrates the company's ambition to build a world-class automotive group but also lays a solid foundation for its next phase of growth in the global market.
I. Latest Developments: Strategic Upgrades and Brand Synergy
On April 21, 2026, China Changan Automobile Group officially unveiled its "1445" Global Strategy, clearly outlining its development blueprint through 2030.
Core Objectives: By 2030, the company aims to achieve a five-fold increase across five key metrics: new energy vehicle (NEV) sales, overseas vehicle sales, operating revenue, total profit, and brand value. Specifically, the target for overseas sales is set at 1.5 million units, aiming to secure a spot among the top ten global automotive enterprises.
Brand Integration: The company announced the initiation of comprehensive strategic synergy between its new luxury brand, Avatr, and its mid-to-high-end NEV brand, Deepal. Adhering to the principle of "independent front-end operations with synergistic mid-to-back-end support," the two brands will engage in deep resource sharing across areas such as R&D, supply chain management, and manufacturing systems. This initiative aims to reduce operating costs, create collective synergies, and jointly build a mid-to-high-end brand cluster with an annual sales volume exceeding 1.5 million units. Avatr’s premium brand positioning, business model, and plans for a Hong Kong IPO will remain unchanged.
Performance Support: In 2025, Changan Automobile achieved a full-year sales volume of 2.913 million units. Of this total, NEV sales surpassed 1.11 million units, while overseas market sales reached 637,000 units. Entering 2026, this growth momentum has shown no signs of slowing; in March, the company's monthly overseas sales volume surpassed the 100,000-unit mark for the first time, setting a new historical record.
II. Export Trends and Favorable Policies: From "Going Global" to "Taking Root"
Changan Automobile's globalization strategy is rapidly evolving from a model of mere vehicle exports to an "exporting industrial capabilities" model—one characterized by the localization of the entire value chain, encompassing R&D, manufacturing, and services.
1. Overseas Manufacturing Facilities: Deep Localization
Brazil Plant Goes into Production: In March 2026, the manufacturing plant—a joint venture between Changan Automobile and Brazil's CAOA Group—officially commenced production. This facility is capable of manufacturing not only fuel-powered and hybrid vehicles but is also fully adapted to Brazil’s prevalent flex-fuel technology. Localized production effectively circumvents high import tariffs while leveraging the established networks of partners to rapidly penetrate the market.
Thailand Factory’s Regional Reach:Located in Rayong, Thailand, the factory has successfully established localized production with an annual capacity of 100,000 units. Its products serve as a hub for the Southeast Asian region—and even the European market—specifically catering to right-hand-drive vehicles. Changan Automobile has also become the first automotive brand to be officially approved under Thailand’s new EV 3.5 policy, thereby benefiting from preferential measures such as tariff reductions.
Strategic Entry into the European Market: Changan Automobile is actively considering establishing an assembly plant in Spain, with plans to launch eight new models in Europe over the next three years. This strategic move aims to navigate the EU’s trade barriers and achieve deep integration into the European industrial supply chain through localized manufacturing.
2. Driven by a Dual Engine: Policy Support and Logistics Innovation
Multinational Policy Support:In addition to Thailand’s new EV 3.5 policy, Changan Automobile benefits from supportive policies across various overseas markets that encourage the development of new energy vehicles and localized manufacturing.
Innovative Logistics Channels: On the domestic front, customs and logistics authorities have provided robust support for the "Chongqing Vehicles Go Global" initiative. For instance, through facilitation measures for "Authorized Economic Operators" (AEO), innovations in customs clearance procedures, and multimodal transport solutions—such as the "Chongqing-Ningbo Express" (rail-sea intermodal)—export efficiency has been significantly boosted while logistics costs have been substantially reduced.
III. A Summary of Changan Automobile’s Core Strengths
Changan Automobile’s ability to accelerate its global expansion stems from its deep-seated strengths in product development, technological innovation, and brand building.
Leading Design and Outstanding Aesthetics: Keeping pace with global aesthetic trends, Changan’s vehicle designs seamlessly blend modern aesthetics with a sense of technological sophistication. Characterized by fluid lines and stylish contours, the vehicles possess strong visual impact and high brand recognition.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Diverse Powertrain Options:
Blue Whale Power: The "Blue Whale" engine series—including the latest "Blue Whale Super-Core Hybrid" system—delivers robust power output while achieving exceptional fuel efficiency.
"Golden Shield" Battery:Changan’s independently developed "Golden Shield" battery demonstrates outstanding performance in terms of safety, cycle life, and low-temperature operation. Furthermore, the company has established a strategic roadmap for next-generation battery technologies, including solid-state and sodium-ion batteries. Tianshu Intelligence: In the realm of intelligent technology, the company has secured L3-level autonomous driving access permits and L4-level Robotaxi testing licenses, establishing a comprehensive intelligent safety ecosystem that spans intelligent driving, smart cockpits, and chassis systems.
Brand Matrix: Comprehensive Coverage: A distinct brand hierarchy has been established to cater to the diverse needs of different user segments.
Avatr: Positioned as a "New Luxury" intelligent electric vehicle brand, targeting the premium market segment.
Deepal: Aimed at young, tech-savvy, and sporty demographics, focusing on the mid-to-high-end new energy vehicle market.
Changan Qiyuan: Serving mainstream family users by offering digital and intelligent new energy products.
Reliable Quality, Safety First: Supported by a global R&D network spanning "six countries and ten locations," as well as a rigorous vehicle development and validation system, the company ensures product reliability for a duration of 10 years or 260,000 kilometers. With safety as its unwavering core philosophy—evolving from passive safety to active intelligent safety—the company provides users with comprehensive, all-around protection.
Global Footprint: A Complete Ecosystem: Products are currently sold in 118 countries and regions worldwide. The company has established a complete global infrastructure—encompassing overseas manufacturing bases, R&D centers, and sales and service networks—providing robust support for its global expansion strategy.
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