Overview

Changan Automobile is a major Chinese automotive group headquartered in Jiangbei District, Chongqing. The organization traces its institutional history to 1862, when Li Hongzhang established the Shanghai Foreign Gun Bureau as a military supply factory. Through successive reorganizations, the operation became part of China’s defense-industrial manufacturing system, moved westward during the Second Sino-Japanese War, and eventually developed into the Chongqing Changan Arsenal. It did not become an automobile manufacturer until 1959, when a predecessor factory began producing the Changjiang Type 46 jeep under government direction. The company’s transition from military production to civilian vehicle manufacturing accelerated in the 1980s. A technical cooperation agreement with Suzuki Motor Corporation helped Changan develop small vehicles and engines, and the SC112 minivan and SC110 minitruck became the first vehicles sold under the Changan name in 1984. The Changan name is associated with the former Chongqing Changan Arsenal and is commonly interpreted as referring to lasting peace. It also evokes Chang’an, the historic name of the ancient Chinese capital. Changan expanded from microvans and light commercial vehicles into passenger cars, sport-utility vehicles, pickups, sedans, and new-energy vehicles. Its principal listed operating company, Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd., trades on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under ticker 000625.SZ. The broader group has also used joint ventures to manufacture and sell vehicles associated with Ford, Mazda, and other international partners. Changan Ford and Changan Mazda became separate joint ventures in 2012 after the restructuring of the earlier Changan Ford Mazda operation. The group now operates a multi-brand architecture. The core CHANGAN brand covers mass-market and mid-market passenger vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, pickups, and selected light commercial products. CHANGAN UNI is positioned around more design-led and technology-oriented passenger vehicles. CHANGAN NEVO, known domestically as Qiyuan, focuses on electrified and range-extended vehicles. DEEPAL is an electric-vehicle brand covering battery-electric and range-extended models, while AVATR Technology occupies a more premium intelligent-electric-vehicle position and combines Changan manufacturing capabilities with CATL battery expertise and Huawei intelligent-vehicle components. CHANGAN LCV, also known as Kaicene or Changan Kaicheng, serves commercial-vehicle customers with vans, multipurpose vehicles, and light trucks. Electrification and intelligent driving have become central to Changan’s strategy. In 2017, the company announced an objective of ending production of vehicles powered solely by internal-combustion engines by 2025, with the intended replacement mix consisting of battery-electric and plug-in-hybrid vehicles. Although the group continues to manage a broad portfolio and regional market requirements differ, the strategy marked a major shift away from its historic dependence on conventional petrol-powered vehicles. Internationalization has also become a principal growth objective. Changan maintains design and engineering capabilities in China, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States. It established a right-hand-drive manufacturing operation in Pakistan with Master Motors and developed a major plant in Rayong, Thailand, intended to supply ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The group has also expanded distribution in Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Europe, and Latin America. In March 2025, it formally introduced the CHANGAN, DEEPAL, and AVATR brands to European audiences in Mainz, Germany, as part of its broader global expansion program. Changan’s corporate structure changed substantially in 2025. The State Council announced that the automotive business formerly associated with China South Industries Group Corporation would be separated into an independent central state-owne…

History

Changan’s institutional history begins in 1862, when Li Hongzhang established the Shanghai Foreign Gun Bureau as a military supply factory. The operation was renamed the Suzhou Arsenal in 1863 and moved to Nanjing in 1865, where it became the Jinling Arsenal. By the end of the nineteenth century, the arsenal had developed into one of China’s major industrial and military manufacturing centers. When the Second Sino-Japanese War threatened Nanjing in 1937, the Nationalist government moved the arsenal westward to Chongqing. There it became the 21st Arsenal. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the facility was renamed State-Owned Factory 456 in 1951 and was incorporated into the administrative structure of the country’s military-industrial system. The organization entered automobile manufacturing in 1959. A predecessor of Chongqing Changan Arsenal was directed to produce the Changjiang Type 46 jeep, generally described as China’s first domestically manufactured production vehicle. For the next several decades, Changan’s industrial identity remained closely connected to defense manufacturing, but the company gradually developed civilian production capabilities. A decisive transition began in the 1980s. Changan entered into technical cooperation with Suzuki Motor Corporation, focusing on small vehicles and engines. On November 15, 1984, the first batch of vehicles carrying the Changan name, the SC112 minivan and SC110 minitruck, left the production line. These products established Changan as a civilian vehicle manufacturer and provided the basis for later expansion into microvans, light commercial vehicles, and passenger cars. During the 2000s and early 2010s, Changan increased its scale through domestic acquisitions, joint ventures, and product diversification. In 2009, it acquired Hafei and Changhe. Changhe was subsequently transferred to the Jiangxi provincial government for restructuring and later became associated with BAIC Group. Changan also developed international joint ventures, including Changan Ford and Changan Mazda. In 2012, the earlier Changan Ford Mazda Automobile structure was divided into separate Changan Ford and Changan Mazda companies after Ford’s divestment from Mazda’s China operations. Changan’s domestic brands grew rapidly during this period. The group introduced a new consumer-vehicle logo in 2010 while retaining its earlier red-arch identity for commercial vehicles. It became one of China’s largest automakers by annual volume, with passenger vehicles, microvans, light trucks, pickups, and commercial vans forming the core of its product base. The company’s strategic emphasis shifted toward electrification and intelligent vehicles during the second half of the 2010s. In October 2017, Changan announced an intention to end the production of vehicles powered only by internal-combustion engines by 2025 and to focus on battery-electric and plug-in-hybrid vehicles. The company also launched its “Third Business Venture” transformation program in 2017, emphasizing innovation, software, efficiency, and new-energy mobility. Changan subsequently built a multi-brand new-energy structure. DEEPAL developed from Changan’s new-energy operations and became an independent electric-vehicle brand. AVATR Technology emerged as a premium intelligent-electric-vehicle venture involving Changan, CATL, and Huawei. Changan also launched CHANGAN NEVO, known in China as Qiyuan, to offer electric and range-extended models using a mixture of dedicated designs and electrified derivatives of existing Changan vehicles. The CHANGAN UNI family provided a more design-focused and technology-oriented passenger-vehicle line, while CHANGAN LCV and Kaicene continued serving commercial users. International operations expanded in parallel. Changan established a design center in Turin in 2003, later added design and engineering capabilities in Birmingham and Germany, and developed a broad overseas distribution network. The group established a right-hand-drive manufacturing facility in Pakistan with Master Motors, began developing a major manufacturing base in Rayong, Thailand, and increased its presence in Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Europe, and Latin America. Its March 2025 European launch in Mainz introduced CHANGAN, DEEPAL, and AVATR as the principal brands for its European expansion program. In 2025, Changan’s corporate status changed substantially. The State Council announced that the automotive business associated with China South Industries Group Corporation would be separated into an independent central state-owned enterprise directly supervised through SASAC. China Changan Automobile Group was established in July 2025, with registered capital reported at 20 billion yuan and Zhu Huarong appointed chairman and legal representative. The restructuring created a more autonomous automotive group while retaining state ownership and ended the previous organizational arrangement under the military-industrial parent. By 2026, Changan was pursuing cooperation with other Chinese automakers in areas including autonomous driving, procurement, vehicle development, and overseas distribution. Its historical identity had therefore evolved from a military factory into a large state-owned automotive group, and then into a multi-brand intelligent and low-carbon mobility company with global ambitions.

2026
Strategic cooperation with BAIC Group
[9]BAIC Group and China Changan Automobile Strategic Cooperationbaicgroup.com.cn
Changan and BAIC agreed to cooperate on autonomous driving, procurement, vehicle development, and overseas sales channels.
2025
European multi-brand launch
[3]Changan Automobile Launches CHANGAN, DEEPAL, and AVATR in Europeglobalchangan.com
Changan introduced CHANGAN, DEEPAL, and AVATR to European audiences at an event in Mainz, Germany.
2025
China Changan Automobile Group established
[1]Changan Automobileen.wikipedia.org
The automotive business was separated from China South Industries Group Corporation and reorganized as an independent central state-owned enterprise.
2025
Thirty-millionth vehicle ceremony
[2]About Changan Automobileglobalchangan.com
Changan held a ceremony marking the roll-off of its thirty-millionth vehicle.
2023
CHANGAN NEVO and DEEPAL expansion
[5]CHANGAN NEVOglobalchangan.com
Changan launched the NEVO/Qiyuan electrified line and developed DEEPAL as an independent electric-vehicle brand.
2017
Electrification and transformation program announced
[1]Changan Automobileen.wikipedia.org
Changan announced its intention to end production of vehicles powered solely by internal-combustion engines by 2025 and launched its Third Business Venture transformation program.
2012
Changan Ford Mazda divided into two joint ventures
[1]Changan Automobileen.wikipedia.org
The earlier Changan Ford Mazda structure was separated into Changan Ford and Changan Mazda.
2009
Hafei and Changhe acquisitions
[1]Changan Automobileen.wikipedia.org
Changan acquired the domestic automakers Hafei and Changhe as part of a consolidation and scale-building strategy.
2003
Turin design center established
[1]Changan Automobileen.wikipedia.org
Changan established a design presence in Turin, beginning the development of a broader international design and engineering network.
1984
Suzuki cooperation and first Changan-branded vehicles
[1]Changan Automobileen.wikipedia.org
Changan signed a technical cooperation agreement with Suzuki and produced the SC112 minivan and SC110 minitruck, establishing its civilian vehicle business.
1959
Automobile manufacturing begins
[1]Changan Automobileen.wikipedia.org
A Changan predecessor began producing the Changjiang Type 46 jeep under government direction.
1937
Arsenal relocated to Chongqing
[1]Changan Automobileen.wikipedia.org
The Jinling Arsenal was moved westward to Chongqing during the Second Sino-Japanese War and renamed the 21st Arsenal.
1865
Operations relocated to Nanjing and became the Jinling Arsenal
[1]Changan Automobileen.wikipedia.org
The operation moved to Nanjing, where it developed into the Jinling Arsenal and became a major Chinese industrial and military manufacturing center.
1862
Shanghai Foreign Gun Bureau established
[1]Changan Automobileen.wikipedia.org
Li Hongzhang established the Shanghai Foreign Gun Bureau, the institutional predecessor from which Changan traces its history.

Products and positioning

A broad-market Chinese automotive group combining affordable passenger and commercial vehicles with rapidly expanding electric, range-extended, connected, and intelligent-vehicle brands.

Mass-market passenger vehicles
CHANGAN
The core CHANGAN brand is the group’s broadest passenger-vehicle franchise. It covers sedans, compact and midsize SUVs, pickups, and selected electrified derivatives. The brand is intended to combine accessible pricing, high-volume manufacturing, connected features, and progressively stronger electric and hybrid technology. Its principal model families include the CS SUV range, Eado sedans, UNI vehicles, and newer global products such as the E07.
Design-led passenger vehicles
CHANGAN UNI
CHANGAN UNI is a passenger-vehicle sub-brand or model family emphasizing distinctive exterior design, digital interiors, and technology-led positioning. It occupies a more aspirational place within the mainstream Changan portfolio and includes sedan and SUV applications. Some later electrified products, including the NEVO A06, use existing UNI vehicles as their technical or structural basis.
Electric and range-extended vehicles · 2023
CHANGAN NEVO
CHANGAN NEVO, known domestically as Qiyuan, is an electrified line launched in 2023. It includes battery-electric, plug-in-hybrid, and range-extended vehicles. Early products included the A05, A06, and A07 sedans, followed by the Q05 and Q07 SUVs and the E07 crossover. The line combines dedicated new-energy designs with electrified versions of existing Changan models and is intended to make low-carbon mobility available across a broad market range.
Electric vehicles · 2023
DEEPAL
DEEPAL is Changan’s mainstream electric-vehicle brand. It developed from Changan’s new-energy operations and became an independent brand in 2023. The portfolio includes battery-electric and range-extended sedans, SUVs, and crossovers, including the S05, S07, L07, and SL03. DEEPAL is positioned as a technology-oriented global brand for markets where customers seek electrified vehicles with modern digital cabins and intelligent-driving functions.
Premium intelligent electric vehicles · 2018
AVATR
AVATR is a premium intelligent-electric-vehicle brand operated by AVATR Technology. Changan is its largest shareholder, while CATL is a strategic shareholder and Huawei supplies intelligent-driving and cockpit technologies. AVATR combines Changan’s vehicle-development and manufacturing capabilities with CATL battery technology and Huawei software and electronic systems. Its products include the AVATR 11 SUV, AVATR 12 grand coupe, AVATR 07 SUV, and AVATR 06 sedan.
Commercial vehicles
CHANGAN LCV / Kaicene
CHANGAN LCV, also known as Kaicene or Changan Kaicheng, serves commercial users with vans, minivans, multipurpose vehicles, light trucks, and related work vehicles. The line descends from Changan’s early strength in small commercial vehicles and remains important in China and selected export markets. Products are designed around payload utility, operating cost, fleet use, and flexible body configurations rather than premium passenger-car features.
Foreign-brand joint venture vehicles
Changan Ford
Changan Ford is a joint venture between Changan and Ford. It produces and markets Ford-branded vehicles in China and forms part of Changan’s foreign-partner manufacturing and distribution network. The venture has historically provided Changan with access to international product programs, engineering practices, manufacturing processes, and established global-brand distribution.
Foreign-brand joint venture vehicles · 2012
Changan Mazda
Changan Mazda is Changan’s joint venture with Mazda. It was established as a separate venture in 2012 after the earlier Changan Ford Mazda structure was divided. The company produces and markets Mazda vehicles in China and represents the group’s continuing involvement in international-brand joint-venture operations.

Controversies

2021
Changan announces recall of Oushang A800-H15T and Lingxuan-H15T vehicles
Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. filed a recall plan covering 15,513 Oushang A800-H15T vehicles and 5,197 Lingxuan-H15T vehicles. According to the filing, a fault in the engine cooling fan power-wire fuse terminals could cause melting and a fire risk. The company stated that it would inspect affected vehicles and replace the terminals free of charge.
Source
2020
Hebei Changan announces recall of 13 passenger vehicles
Hebei Changan Automobile announced a recall covering 13 passenger vehicles, scheduled to begin on June 24, 2020. According to the announcement, a welded bracket may detach, potentially damaging a brake pipe and reducing braking force. The company said it would inspect affected vehicles, reweld at-risk brackets and add brake-pipe fasteners.
Source
2019
Court finds infringement in Chang'an Auto media case
A court of first instance found Beijing Che Shijie Network Technology Co., Ltd. had infringed Chang'an Auto's rights by publishing reports described in the article as inaccurate, and ordered deletion, a public apology and compensation.
Source
Abandoned Changan–Dongfeng merger plan (2025)
Source

Marketing campaigns

2025Sharing the Future
Europe
Changan used the Sharing the Future theme for its March 2025 European launch of CHANGAN, DEEPAL, and AVATR in Mainz, Germany.
Outcome. The event established the group’s three-brand European market proposition and communicated a longer-term plan for products, local operations, and market expansion.
Source
2025China Auto Export 4.0 / Vast Ocean Plan
Global
Changan framed its international expansion as a move from product export toward the export of brands, technology, industrial capacity, and localized operations.
Outcome. The strategy supported overseas manufacturing and distribution initiatives in Thailand, Pakistan, Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and other regions.
Source
2023Belt and Road Global Tour
International · Belt and Road markets
Changan participated in an international vehicle tour featuring models including DEEPAL S7, NEVO A07, and AVATR 11 to demonstrate its new-energy portfolio and overseas ambitions.
Outcome. The tour supported Changan’s transition from exporting individual products toward presenting a broader Chinese automotive brand and technology proposition.
Source
2017The Third Business Venture
China
Changan introduced a transformation program centered on innovation, entrepreneurship, organizational efficiency, software capability, and the development of an intelligent low-carbon mobility business.
Outcome. The program provided a strategic framework for the group’s later investment in electric vehicles, intelligent driving, digital systems, and new brands.
Source

Brand decisions

2026
Strategic cooperation with BAIC GroupStrategy
Background
Both companies sought ways to improve technology development, purchasing efficiency, product coverage, and overseas scale without undertaking an equity transaction.
Action taken
Changan and BAIC agreed to cooperate on autonomous-driving technologies, joint component procurement, vehicle development, and shared overseas sales channels.
Aftermath
The agreement broadened cooperation among Chinese state-owned automakers while leaving each company independently owned.
Source
2025
Abandonment of potential merger arrangements with DongfengM&A
Background
Changan and Dongfeng had announced that they were exploring potential combinations with other state-owned enterprises, prompting speculation about a major automotive consolidation.
Action taken
On June 4, 2025, both companies announced that the potential merger plans would not proceed.
Aftermath
Changan remained a separate automotive group while China’s state-owned automotive-sector restructuring continued through other organizational measures.
Source
2025
Spin-off into an independent central state-owned automotive groupStrategy
Background
The State Council reorganized the automotive business previously associated with China South Industries Group Corporation.
Action taken
China Changan Automobile Group was established as an independent central state-owned enterprise directly supervised through SASAC, with Zhu Huarong appointed chairman and legal representative.
Aftermath
The reorganization gave Changan a more autonomous corporate identity while retaining state ownership and its listed operating subsidiary.
Registered capital of China Changan Automobile Group. 20 billion yuan (July 2025)
Source
2025
European multi-brand market entryStrategy
Background
Changan sought to move from exporting vehicles to establishing a localized, multi-brand presence in Europe.
Action taken
The group launched CHANGAN, DEEPAL, and AVATR in Europe and presented plans for broader market coverage, additional models, local partnerships, and potential regional manufacturing.
Aftermath
Europe became a central component of Changan’s global expansion and intelligent-electric-vehicle strategy.
Source
2023
Launch of CHANGAN NEVOProduct launch
Background
Changan sought to create a dedicated electrified line covering battery-electric, plug-in-hybrid, and range-extended vehicles.
Action taken
The company launched CHANGAN NEVO, initially introducing the A07 and later adding the A05, A06, Q05, Q07, and E07.
Aftermath
NEVO became one of the group’s principal electrified product families and expanded the Changan portfolio beyond conventional powertrains.
Source
2023
Expansion of the AVATR Technology structureStrategy
Background
Changan pursued a premium intelligent-electric-vehicle platform requiring advanced batteries, software, cockpit systems, and assisted-driving technology.
Action taken
Changan, CATL, and Huawei formed a cooperative structure around AVATR Technology, with Changan and affiliates holding up to approximately 40 percent of the company’s equity and Huawei contributing intelligent-vehicle technologies.
Aftermath
AVATR became a premium technology brand within Changan’s multi-brand architecture and an important vehicle for international expansion.
Source
2017
Plan to end production of internal-combustion-only vehiclesStrategy
Background
Changan cited China’s policy direction, emissions pressure, and the country’s climate commitments as reasons to accelerate electrification.
Action taken
The company announced an objective of ending production of vehicles powered solely by internal-combustion engines by 2025 and shifting toward battery-electric and plug-in-hybrid vehicles.
Aftermath
The decision established electrification as a central pillar of Changan’s later product and brand strategy.
Source
2012
Separate Changan Ford and Changan Mazda joint venturesStrategy
Background
The earlier Changan Ford Mazda Automobile structure was reorganized after Ford’s divestment from Mazda’s China operations.
Action taken
Changan and its international partners created separate Changan Ford and Changan Mazda joint ventures.
Aftermath
The restructuring clarified the two foreign-brand partnerships and preserved Changan’s role in both joint-venture operations.
Source

Recent events

2026.10.16
Changan Automobile management changes[16]长安汽车管理层调整donews.com
China Changan and Changan Automobile announced management changes. Zhao Fei will serve as Changan Automobile’s chairman and Party secretary, Ye Pei as its director, president and deputy Party secretary, and other executives also received new roles or left existing positions.
2026.10.16
Reported2026.10.17
Changan announces leadership changes[17]长安汽车宣布高层人事调整auto.sina.com.cn
At a media briefing, China Changan Automobile Group announced leadership changes at the group and Changan Automobile. Zhao Fei would also serve as Changan Automobile’s chairman and Party secretary, Ye Pei would become its director, president and deputy Party secretary, and other management roles were adjusted.
Unconfirmed
Reported2026.10.15
Changan adds Nevo as third brand in Europe[18]长安将Nevo作为旗下第三个品牌引入欧洲news.google.com
Automotive News reported that Changan is adding Nevo as its third brand in Europe, targeting families.
2026.09.27
Changan Auto establishes AD collaborative development department as Deepal-Avatr brand integration advances[19]长安汽车成立AD协同发展部，深蓝与阿维塔整合进入实质推进阶段citnews.com.cn
According to a September 27 report by Yicai, the integration of Changan Automobile's Deepal and Avatr brands has entered a substantive phase: Changan notified the establishment of an AD (Avatr and Deepal) collaborative development department, defined as a first-level department with second-level units including planning and cooperation, market and product, HR shared services, finance shared services and general affairs, to undertake business delegated by the two brands. The report links the move to an ongoing Hong Kong listing push, saying sharing Avatr's high-end technology (e.g., platform, intelligent driving) and Deepal's scale purchasing power would help cut procurement costs and improve the financial narrative.
2026.09.04
Reported2026.08.28
Changan to unveil TianShu LingHang Ultra and open global presale for Qiyuan Q06 on September 4[20]长安天枢领航Ultra将于9月4日发布，启源Q06同步开启全球预售finance.sina.com.cn
Changan Automobile announced that at its September 4 Changan Technology Ecosystem Conference it will officially release its self-developed high-level intelligent driving system TianShu LingHang Ultra, and the first strategic model to carry it, the Changan Qiyuan Q06, will simultaneously open global presale. Detailed configuration, powertrain parameters and presale pricing of the Q06 will be revealed at the September 4 global presale launch event.
2026.08.28
Reported2026.08.28
Changan unveils Deepal S05 REEV and Uni-S HEV in South Africa[21]长安在南非发布Deepal S05 REEV和Uni-S HEVtimeslive.co.za
Changan unveiled two new electrified SUVs, the Deepal S05 REEV and the Uni-S HEV, at the Festival of Motoring in South Africa. Pricing will be confirmed closer to their market launch in November.
Unconfirmed
Changan launches UNI Service platform[22]长安推出UNI Service服务平台news.cheshi.com
Changan launched the UNI Service active intelligent service platform as part of its customer-service initiatives.
Unconfirmed
Changan announces recall of Oushang A800-H15T and Lingxuan-H15T vehicles[14]Changan announces recall of Oushang A800-H15T and Lingxuan-H15T vehiclesauto.sina.com.cn
Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. filed a recall plan covering 15,513 Oushang A800-H15T vehicles and 5,197 Lingxuan-H15T vehicles. A fault in the engine cooling fan power-wire fuse terminals could cause melting and a fire risk; the company said it would inspect affected vehicles and replace the terminals free of charge.
2021.11.15
Reported2021.11.17
Changan, Huawei and CATL collaborate on Avatr[23]长安、华为与宁德时代合作推出阿维塔europe.chinadaily.com.cn
Changan unveiled Avatr, a new electric-car brand developed in collaboration with Huawei and CATL. Huawei was involved in developing the brand’s vehicle architecture, while Changan and CATL held stakes in the marque.
Unconfirmed
Reported2021.11.07
Avatr completes first financing round[24]阿维塔完成首轮融资usa.chinadaily.com.cn
Avatr Technology announced that it had completed its first round of strategic financing, raising 2.42 billion yuan ($378 million).