Thus far the only Changan sub-brand to reach Europe has been Deepal, but a most assertive approach is now being taken. By Stewart Burnett
Two additional brands from Changan’s portfolio will reach European showrooms in 2027, with the premium Avatr line as well as the Nevo range joining the already-available Deepal marque. Global Head of Design Klaus Zyciora revealed to Reuters that light commercial vehicles may follow, alongside potential introductions of range-extender technology and various hybrid configurations depending on customer appetite.
Eight new models are set to arrive by late 2027 under plans unveiled at Changan’s March presentation in Mainz, beginning with the Deepal S07 and L07 crossovers by the end of 2025 Subsequent launches will likely include the Nevo E07, accompanied by high-performance Avatr sedans. Each nameplate is intended to serve distinct buyer segments, with Deepal chasing younger demographics, the parent brand courting families, and Avatr occupying luxury territory.
Chinese marques nearly doubled their European presence during H1 2025, capturing 5.1% of regional sales through 91% year-on-year growth. Changan enters a competitive landscape already populated by BYD, Chery, Xpeng and Zeekr, all fleeing saturated home markets where 150 brands compete fiercely for Chinese buyers. Annual production targets sit in the range of some three million units globally, with one-third expected to reach international customers across Asia, Africa, South America and now Europe.
“We have built up a truly global scale but were lacking a commercial base in Europe, and that’s what we are launching now,” Nick Thomas, UK Managing Director, told Automotive World back in September. Design expertise has been concentrated in Italian studios operational since 2001, while Birmingham engineers have developed powertrains since 2010 and Munich staff shape Avatr products. Japanese interior specialists and US autonomous driving specialists round out the global effort.
European investment totalling €2bn (US$2.4bn) extends through 2030, with factory site evaluations underway to dodge import levies currently set at 30.7% for Changan. Local production forms a core part of the automaker’s “in Europe, for Europe” strategy, which echoes similar approaches taken by European automakers in China.
Thomas argued that the international footprint was essential insurance against regional volatility. “These days you can’t predict exactly what will happen where, but a truly global company can offset the risk and ride the waves,” he said. “We are taking the best of China, which excels at battery and software technology, together with a global design base and European understanding of R&D. That’s how we will overcome the challenges and competition.”