Changan Accelerates Global Ambitions with New Strategy, Strengthening Long-Term Commitment to South Africa

  • Changan unveils its global “1+4+4+5” strategy, targeting RMB600 billion revenue by 2030
  • Ambition to enter the global automotive top 10, with 1.5 million overseas vehicle sales
  • Strategy driven by electrification, intelligent mobility and global expansion
  • Six Major Leaps to transform technology, scale, customer experience and value delivery
  • Reinforces long-term commitment to markets like South Africa through localisation and growth
  • Strong global foundation with nearly 3 million annual sales and expanding international footprint

A Clear Global Vision, With Local Impact

Chongqing, China - Changan has taken a significant step forward in its global journey, unveiling its new “1+4+4+5” strategic framework at its Global Strategy Launch and Partner Conference in Chongqing.

At its core, the strategy sets a bold ambition: to become a top 10 global automotive brand by 2030, supported by a revenue target of RMB600 billion and a major expansion in international markets, including a goal of 1.5 million overseas vehicle sales.

For South Africa, this is more than a global milestone. It signals a clear, long-term commitment to growing the brand locally, ensuring that customers benefit from a manufacturer that is investing not only in scale, but in relevance, reliability and sustained presence in the market.

Built for the Future of Mobility

The “1+4+4+5” framework is anchored by a vision to build a world-class automotive group powered by its own core technologies. This is being realised through a diversified business model that spans vehicles, components, services, and next-generation mobility ecosystems.

At the same time, Changan is accelerating a series of critical transformations across its business. These include the shift toward intelligent mobility, a stronger focus on green and sustainable development, deeper global integration and more connected operational systems.

For South African motorists, this evolution translates into vehicles that are not only more advanced and efficient, but also supported by a broader ecosystem designed to improve the overall ownership experience.

Six Major Leaps Driving Real Change

To bring its strategy to life, Changan has outlined six key areas of transformation, each representing a meaningful shift in how the company designs, builds, and delivers value.

This includes a move toward full-vehicle intelligence, where smarter, more connected systems enhance both safety and the overall driving experience. Alongside this, the company is accelerating its transition toward greener, more efficient powertrains, with continued investment in hybrid, electric and future energy solutions.

Growth is also a central focus, with plans to expand both new energy vehicle adoption and global market reach, supported by the development of globally competitive models. At the same time, Changan is building a broader mobility ecosystem that connects vehicles, services, and users more seamlessly.

Internally, the business is evolving as well, with a stronger emphasis on global operational excellence, innovation, and talent development. All of this contributes to a larger shift, positioning Changan as a technology-driven mobility company focused on delivering long-term economic, brand, and societal value.

For South Africa, these changes signal access to increasingly competitive products that combine advanced safety, efficiency, and real-world practicality, backed by a brand that is rapidly evolving on the global stage.

Global Growth Plans Strengthen Local Confidence

Changan’s long-term direction is further reinforced by three major strategic initiatives, each playing a role in shaping the future of the brand.

The Group’s Green Plan continues to advance new energy vehicle technologies while embedding sustainability across the full lifecycle, from design to manufacturing and recycling. In parallel, the Intelligent Plan is accelerating the rollout of smart mobility solutions, with a strong focus on safety and user experience.

Meanwhile, the Vast Ocean Plan is driving Changan’s global expansion, with a clear emphasis on localisation and long-term market development. For South Africa, this is particularly significant, as it supports the growth of dealer networks, improved parts availability, and a more responsive and reliable ownership experience.

Strong Foundations Backed by Global Scale

Changan’s ambitions are underpinned by a solid global foundation. In 2025 alone, the Group recorded sales of nearly 2.9 million vehicles, including more than 1.1 million new energy vehicles.

Today, Changan operates in 118 countries, supported by over 1,100 sales outlets and 22 overseas manufacturing facilities. Its global R&D team, comprising more than 24,000 specialists, continues to drive innovation, supported by an extensive portfolio of patents and technical expertise.

For South Africa, this scale provides reassurance. It strengthens confidence in long-term product support, parts availability, and the ability of the brand to deliver a consistent and dependable ownership experience.

As Changan continues to expand globally, South Africa is well positioned to benefit from this momentum. Customers can expect access to next-generation vehicles, including electrified and intelligent models, alongside ongoing improvements in safety, efficiency, and in-car technology. At the same time, continued investment in dealer networks and aftersales support will play a critical role in strengthening the overall ownership journey.

A Shared Vision for the Road Ahead

Speaking at the launch, Chairman Zhu Huarong emphasised the importance of collaboration and shared progress:

“Every transformation creates the conditions for a new generation of world-class enterprises. Changan Group will stay committed to co-development and shared prosperity, working with our partners as we move forward together.”

In a market where trust, reliability, and long-term value matter most, Changan’s global strategy reinforces its intent to deliver not just innovative vehicles, but a dependable and credible brand experience.