ChangAn Automobile Expands European Presence with New Strategic Initiatives Amid Global Growth
ChangAn Automobile's European Expansion Through the Vast Ocean Plan
The automotive industry sees a significant shift as ChangAn Automobile introduces its brands into the European market, aligning with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. Announced on March 21, 2025, this strategic move is part of the company’s ambitious Vast Ocean Plan, aimed at enhancing its global presence and fostering sustainable innovation.
Launched in April 2023, the Vast Ocean plan signifies a turning point for ChangAn’s global strategy. The company has successfully expanded its influence internationally, highlighted by several key milestones. In November 2023, it held brand launches across Southeast Asia, followed by introductions in Latin America and the Middle East throughout mid-2024. Most recently, in September 2024, ChangAn established a subsidiary in Germany to fortify its roots in the European market.
With a robust manufacturing capability across China and the Asia-Pacific region, ChangAn operates extensive R&D facilities in 10 countries and boasts a well-rounded team of 18,000 experts. This expansive network of branches, factories, dealerships, and service personnel supports ChangAn's goals of international growth and collaboration. Importantly, this global reach has translated into impressive sales figures, with international sales surging to 536,196 vehicles in 2024—a 49.6% increase from the previous year. January 2025 alone saw sales of 62,016 vehicles, marking a 10% growth.
ChangAn’s journey in Europe began in 2003 with the establishment of the ChangAn European Design Center, focused on integrating global design trends and boosting local R&D capabilities. This initiative profoundly enhances its brand trust in Europe, needed to fulfill local market demands while leveraging advanced European automotive expertise in innovation. As the year 2025 unfolds, ChangAn is committed to its long-term localization strategy and aims for sustainable growth through deeper market integration.
By entering the European market, ChangAn is not just meeting rigorous industry standards but also building considerable consumer trust. The company enhances local manufacturing efficiency while implementing region-specific models to cater to diverse markets. Moreover, ChangAn adheres to strict safety standards, ensuring all products are rigorously tested to meet international regulations. This commitment to safety was underscored by the five-star rating for the DEEPAL S07 from Euro NCAP at the end of 2023.
In his remarks, Mr. Chu Hua-zhung, Chairman of ChangAn Automobile, emphasized the company's philosophy: “ChangAn is an open and collaborative enterprise with a clear mission to lead sustainable mobility and enhance human life.” Learning from Europe, recognized as a hub of innovation and home to world-leading automotive companies, ChangAn aims to deepen its collaboration efforts globally.
As ChangAn Automobile embarks on its European journey with a solid foundation in low-carbon intelligent mobility technologies, it positions itself for a promising future within the global automotive industry. The company, with brands like CHANG-AN, DEEPAL, and AVATR, continues to evolve with substantial investments in technology and sustainable practices, inspiring a new era of mobility that resonates with a broader audience worldwide.
This strategic expansion not only signifies ChangAn’s growth but represents a transformative moment in the automotive landscape, merging technological prowess with sustainable practices to meet the increasing demands of modern consumers. The company's diverse portfolio, including personal vehicles and light commercial vehicles, showcases its commitment to innovation and adapting to the dynamics of the market while reinforcing its status as a world-class automotive brand.