One of China’s “big four” automotive groups, Changan has evolved into a formidable global presence. More than just a manufacturer, the company now stands as a symbol of engineering strength technological intelligence and international ambition.
Operating in over 75 countries and exporting to 77, Changan’s reach is more than merely aspirational. The brand’s physical footprint includes 14 manufacturing bases and 34 plants worldwide, reinforced by an expansive network of over 9,000 sales and service touchpoints.
Nearly 12,000 professionals fuel this operation, which is evidence of a brand not only built to compete, but to lead.
Behind Changan’s expansion is a highly coordinated web of global alliances. More than 1,100 international suppliers and over 9,300 dealers share in the company’s mission to deliver smart, reliable, and technologically advanced vehicles.
In 2024, that shared vision translated into staggering results: 2.7 million Changan vehicles were delivered globally in a single year. These are the results of an operation engineered for scale, precision, and global reverence.
At the centre of Changan’s success is a culture of innovation. Over 18,000 engineers and technicians from 31 countries form a powerhouse of expertise, ensuring that the company anticipates and shapes market trends.
Changan’s R&D reach extends across ten cities in six countries, including Detroit, Munich, Yokohama, and Turin, embedding the brand in the global epicentres of automotive and technological advancement.
This innovation isn’t superficial. The company maintains full, independent development capabilities across vehicles, engines, and systems, supporting its own vision of future-ready mobility.
Its 16 research centres and 17 tech companies ensure the pipeline is always active, always evolving. One result of this investment is the SDA (Super DNA) platform – an adaptive, digital vehicle architecture built for next-generation demands.
With self-learning systems, plug-and-play hardware, and scenario-based programming, SDA is modular, intelligent, and future-proof.
Changan’s pursuit of design excellence has earned it global acclaim, including the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, showcasing a maturity in aesthetic components that complements its technical prowess.
Meanwhile, the company’s investment in autonomous driving, human-machine interaction, and connected ecosystems reflect a clear direction: leadership in intelligent, sustainable mobility.
Perhaps the most telling sign of Changan’s global intent is its “Vast Ocean Plan”. Announced in April 2023, this international strategy aims to cement Changan’s place among the world’s premier automotive brands.
By 2030, Changan aims to surpass $10 billion in overseas investment, achieve 1.2 million annual sales outside China, and build a global workforce of more than 10,000 employees focused solely on international markets.
For the global auto industry, it’s further proof that Changan’s ascent is not a matter of if, but rather where next.
Changan at IAA Mobility 2025: Showcasing Smart Mobility for South Africa.
