A Milestone Decades in the Making, and a Sign of What’s to Come
Changan, a key player in China’s automotive landscape, just hit a monumental milestone. On December 9, the company’s 30 millionth vehicle rolled off the production line, a feat that took nearly four decades to achieve. What’s truly staggering, however, is the recent acceleration. Changan produced its last 10 million vehicles in just four years, a powerful statement about its manufacturing prowess and the blistering pace of the Chinese market.
This achievement places Changan in an elite club alongside major joint ventures like SAIC-GM-Wuling and FAW-Volkswagen. To put it in perspective, it took FAW-Volkswagen 34 years to reach this landmark, while Volkswagen itself needed 46 years. Changan’s rapid growth proves how quickly independent Chinese automakers are scaling up to rival and even surpass established global giants in production volume.
Government Backing and Ambitious Goals
Earlier this year, on July 29, Changan’s status got a significant upgrade. The company was officially reorganized into the China Changan Automobile Group, becoming a premier state-owned auto giant directly managed by the central government. This move signals immense trust and positions Changan alongside other national champions like FAW and Dongfeng.
With this powerful backing, Chairman Zhu Huarong has laid out an ambitious roadmap. By 2030, Changan aims to produce and sell 5 million vehicles annually. The company is betting big on electrification, with new energy vehicles (NEVs) slated to make up over 60% of its sales. It’s also looking globally, with a target of having overseas sales account for more than 30% of its total volume.
A Multi-Brand Strategy Is Paying Off
Changan isn’t just one brand, it’s a family of them. Its portfolio includes five distinct sub-brands, each targeting a different slice of the market: Avatr, Nevo, Deepal, the core Changan brand, and the commercial-focused Kaicheng.
This strategy is clearly working. In November alone, Changan sold 283,000 vehicles. Its NEV brands showed particularly strong performance, with Avatr selling 14,057 units, Deepal selling 33,060, and Nevo leading the pack with an impressive 46,909 vehicles. Deepal has already delivered a cumulative 700,000 vehicles, showcasing its growing footprint.
The Road Ahead: All-In on EVs
Looking forward, Changan is doubling down on electric and intelligent vehicles. At the recent 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, the company announced a product offensive of more than 50 new NEV models by 2030. These vehicles will span a wide range of segments, from entry-level SUVs to large MPVs and rugged off-roaders.
All of these upcoming models will be built on Changan’s new Tianshu intelligent architecture, promising advanced connectivity, driver-assist features, and cutting-edge EV technology. While its domestic sales are soaring, Changan still has work to do on the export front. Last month, it ranked 11th in NEV exports, lagging behind nimbler startups like Xpeng and Leapmotor. However, with its immense scale and a clear vision for the future, Changan is a company to watch as it continues to expand its influence both at home and abroad.
