Top stories of Changan Automobile in 2024

2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Chinese automaker, Changan Automobile. For the company, it has been a year of continuous progress, with its strategic transformation path becoming more defined, structural adjustments further optimized, and operational quality steadily improving. Behind the advancements in sales, structure, and quality lies Changan's unwavering focus on technological innovation in the fields of new energy and intelligence.

In November 2024, Changan Automobile's monthly new energy vehicle (NEV) sales exceeded 100,000 units, signaling a period of rapid growth for the company's NEV sector. This success is largely attributed to the steadfast implementation of its "Shangri-La" new energy vehicle plan, "Beidou Tianshu" intelligence initiative, and "Vast Ocean" globalization strategy, alongside the practical application of digital and innovative technologies.

The company's three smart auto brands, namely, AVATR, DEEPAL, and CHANGAN, as well as three product series, UNI, NEVO, and KAICHENG, jointly create a globally competitive product matrix.

Changan Automobile's R&D capabilities have also reached new heights, with a "six-country, ten-region" global collaborative R&D network and a team of over 18,000 technical experts from 31 countries and regions worldwide. This robust R&D foundation fully supports Changan's growth toward greater scale and higher value creation.

As part of our year-end review, Gasgoo has put together a report that takes a detailed look back at Changan Automobile's key achievements and developments in 2024.

Wheels of Change: the Story of Changan Automobile (Part 1)

It's well known that Changan is one of China's three major state-owned automobile enterprises, with its roots stretching back to the Shanghai Bureau of Marine Artillery established in 1862. With a history spanning over 160 years, it has undergone three major entrepreneurial transformations.

Wheels of Change: the Story of Changan Automobile (Part 2)

Shifting gears from partnerships to pioneering its tech, Changan is consolidating various resouces on its core supply-chain in order to meet internal demands, aiming for both cost reduction and independent supply of core components.

Changan Automobile posts 5.12% YoY rise in 2024 annual sales

Chinese automaker Changan Automobile on Jan. 4 announced its monthly sales volume for December 2024, which stood at 250,689 vehicles, representing a 16.55% jump year-on-year.

Changan Automobile allies with EHang to develop flying cars

On December 21, 2024, urban air mobility (UAM) solution developer EHang announced a strategic partnership with Changan Automobile. The collaboration focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, sales, and operations of flying cars, including eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft and amphibious air-land vehicles. 

Changan Automobile to raise 6 billion yuan for NEV development

Changan Automobile announced on December 6 its plans to raise up to 6 billion yuan through a private placement of A-shares. The funds will be allocated to projects focused on new energy vehicle (NEV) development, product platform upgrades, and the establishment of a global R&D center to enhance its competitiveness in the NEV market.

Changan Automobile announces tech roadmap for flying cars, humanoid robots

On November 15, Changan Automobile showcased its latest advancements in intelligent technologies at the Auto Guangzhou 2024, unveiling key developments and ambitious roadmap for flying cars and humanoid robots. 

Changan KAICHENG launches strategic shift to digital new energy commercial vehicles

On November 15, Changan KAICHENG (also known as "Kaicene"), the commercial vehicle brand under Changan Automobile, launched its new brand strategy at the Auto Guangzhou 2024, accelerating its transformation into a digital new energy commercial vehicle technology brand.

Changan Mazda EZ-6 model hits market, starting at 139,800 yuan

On October 26, Changan Mazda unveiled the MAZDA EZ-6 new energy sedan in China, offering seven variants across BEV (battery-electric vehicle) and REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) powertrains, with prices ranging from 139,800 yuan to 179,800 yuan.

Changan Automobile inaugurates digital intelligent factory co-developed with China Unicom, Huawei

On October 21, Changan Automobile officially inaugurated its new digital intelligent manufacturing factory, developed in collaboration with China Unicom and Huawei. The AVATR 07, a mid-size SUV, became the first vehicle to roll off the production line at the new facility.

Changan Mazda plans to pour 10 billion yuan in new energy vehicle field by 2027

On September 28, Changan Mazda officially commenced the pre-sale of the MAZDA EZ-6 new energy sedan. This vehicle embodies a culmination of the strengths of both Changan and Mazda, marking a new flagship standard for joint-venture B-segment new energy sedans. Changan Mazda aims for the EZ-6 to continue the MAZDA6's success and reputation in China, becoming a star product in the B-segment sedan market.

Changan Automobile confirms AVATR Technology's plans for independent listing

Changan Automobile recently responded to investor inquiries via the Shenzhen Stock Exchange's Q&A platform, confirming that AVATR Technology, the premium new energy vehicle company co-backed by Changan Automobile, Huawei, and CATL, holds plans to go public independently.

Changan Automobile's Thai production base to start operation in Q1 2025

On September 4, Changan Automobile revealed during an investor briefing that construction of its new energy vehicle production base in Thailand is progressing as planned, with production expected to commence in the first quarter of next year.

Changan Automobile sets up German subsidiary

Chinese automaker Changan Automobile officially registered its German subsidiary, Changan Automobile Deutschland GmbH, in Munich, marking a significant step in its European expansion, the automaker announced on September 3.

Changan Automobile unveils expansion plans for Middle East, Africa markets

On August 31, Chinese automaker Changan Automobile held its 2024 Middle East and Africa Brand Event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. At the event, Changan introduced three major brands and outlined its future product lineup for the region, while announcing plans to enhance localized operations and services, presenting a comprehensive vision for its renewed presence in the Middle East and Africa.

Changan Automobile forays into Latin American market

On July 24, Changan Automobile held its Latin America brand launch event in Mexico City, Mexico, unveiling three major brands, including the NEVO new energy vehicle (NEV) range under Changan Auto, the DEEPAL NEV brand, and the premium NEV brand AVATR.

GAC Group, Changan Automobile sign strategic cooperation framework agreement

On June 6, GAC Group and Changan Automobile signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement in Chongqing, marking a pioneering collaboration between a central state-owned enterprise (SOE) and a local SOE in China's automotive industry.

Changan Automobile becomes one of first pilot units for L3 intelligent connected vehicles in China

Under the unified leadership and orderly organization of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and Ministry of Transport, China's pilot program for the admission and road access of Level 3 intelligent connected vehicles has achieved phased results.