Changan, a prominent independent Chinese automaker, recently celebrated a monumental achievement as its 30 millionth vehicle rolled off the production line. This historic moment marks Changan as the first independent Chinese car manufacturer to reach such a milestone, a journey that began way back in 1983. Remarkably, the pace of their progress has accelerated dramatically, taking a mere four years to jump from 20 million to 30 million vehicles produced.
Changan’s Expanding Horizon
Changan’s impressive lineup includes five distinct sub-brands: Avatr, Nevo, Deepal, Changan, and Kaicheng. Each brand contributes to the diverse portfolio that caters to a wide range of consumers.
The automotive landscape in China is constantly evolving, and Changan is a key player in this transformation. The company recently underwent a significant restructuring, with the official establishment of China Changan Automobile Group Co., Ltd. as a state-owned enterprise. This move, alongside industry giants like FAW and Dongfeng, positions Changan for even greater future impact. Chairman Zhu Huarong has set ambitious targets: a production and sales volume of 5 million vehicles by 2030, with new energy vehicles (NEVs) projected to comprise over 60% of sales and overseas sales accounting for more than 30%.
A Look at the Numbers
While Changan celebrates its individual success, other joint ventures in China, such as SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) and FAW-Volkswagen, have also achieved similar production milestones, though often taking longer. For example, it took FAW-Volkswagen 34 years to reach this impressive mark.
In November, Changan showcased strong sales figures, moving 283,000 vehicles, a 2.3% year-on-year increase. A significant portion of this growth came from its NEV sector, which saw a 23% rise with 125,000 units sold. Furthermore, overseas sales surged by 47%, reaching 55,000 vehicles.
Despite these strong numbers, Changan’s NEV exports, totaling 4,189 units last month, placed it 11th in the export rankings, trailing behind emerging EV startups like Xpeng and Leapmotor. This highlights the competitive nature of the global EV market.
Changan has set its sights on an electrifying future. During the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, the automaker unveiled plans to launch over 50 NEV models by 2030. These new vehicles will all integrate Changan’s cutting-edge Tianshu intelligent architecture, spanning various segments from entry-level SUVs to mid-to-large MPVs and robust off-road vehicles. Recent sales figures for Changan’s sub-brands in the past month further illustrate their market presence: Avatr sold 14,057 vehicles, Deepal moved an impressive 33,060 units, and Nevo achieved 46,909 sales. Notably, Deepal has already reached a cumulative delivery of 700,000 vehicles, underscoring its rapid growth and strong consumer appeal. These new models will feature intelligent architecture, promising advanced connectivity and automated driving capabilities.
The Road Ahead
Changan’s journey to 30 million vehicles is a testament to its enduring presence and growing influence in the Chinese automotive industry. With ambitious plans for NEV expansion and a focus on intelligent technology, the automaker is clearly geared up for a dynamic future. The establishment of the China Changan Automobile Group Co., Ltd. as a state-owned enterprise shows a clear commitment from the central government, hinting at robust support for Changan’s future endeavors, especially in the competitive EV space. The company’s increased sales and its focus on new energy vehicles are strong indicators of its trajectory in the global automotive market, positioning it as a force to be reckoned with. Overall, Changan’s strategic moves and strong performance indicate a bright and electric future for the brand in China and beyond. It will be interesting to see how their diverse set of brands, from Avatr to Deepal, continue to innovate and capture market share in the years to come.
