Chongqing- Hundreds of robotic arms ran smoothly, constantly shuttling self-driving cars, carrying auto parts, welding and toiling, and up and down production lines; this futuristic display was the scene at Changan Auto Chongqing Liangjiang Factory on October 9.
"Our target production for 2022 is 2.45 million vehicles, so the time is tight, and we must go all out," according to the related person in charge of Changan Automobile.
Changan Automobile factory is racing to produce cars. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Four months to produce one million cars
With the company's target production goal, Changan must sell one million vehicles from September to December. Only in September, Changan Automobile plans to produce more than 250,000 cars.
"To achieve the operation target is a step toward building a world-class automobile brand. Changan Automobile has the ability and conditions to achieve the target," said the related person in charge of Changan Automobile.
Earlier this summer, affected by power rationing, Changan had 100,000 vehicles delayed production and sales. In the first eight months of 2022, Changan sold 1,465,300 vehicles, down 5.1% year-on-year, according to Changan Automobile.
With the end of the power rationing, Changan Automobile was fully operational. Many production bases began operation on October 2, the day after National Day, and implemented two shifts work mode.
The staff of the logistics group drove the forklift truck to load the after-sales parts accurately. To ensure production and transportation, they started at 7 a.m. every day and worked until 8 p.m.
"We were all holding back because of the power rationing, and now it's time to let it all out," said a worker in the factory.
Popular markets are South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East
A freight train loaded with 207 cars manufactured by Changan left Yuzui Station in Chongqing this July for its first pilot run to Moscow via Khorgos. Finally, it arrived at Doschino in Moscow.
Although domestic sales declined slightly, in the first half of this year, Changan's exports exceeded 100,000 vehicles, with operating revenue of 6.5 billion yuan (about 900 million U.S. dollars), up 40%.
"We have had six consecutive years of positive export growth, and the growth in the first half of this year hit a record high, reflecting the continued release of brand momentum," said the related person in charge of Changan Automobile.
Changan's passenger cars have gradually gained a market share overseas, with the compound growth rate of export exceeding 30% in the last three years. The popular markets are South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions. Customers in these markets favor Changan CS, Escape, and UNI's high-end products.