Changan Automobile’s 2023 Sales Up 8.8%, Driven by Strong Research, Rapid Innovation

Chongqing - Changan Automobile, a prominent force in China's automotive industry, recently released its 2023 annual report, revealing sales of 2.553 million vehicles, up 8.8% year-on-year. The surge is partly attributed to the company's strong global research capabilities and quick product iteration strategies.

This March, Changan Automobile unveiled its groundbreaking innovation, the New Blue Whale Power, a comprehensive and advanced powertrain solution designed to cater to various automotive needs. 

This cutting-edge advancement encompasses upgrades to the engine, motor, electronic control, and range extender technologies, fulfilling the power requirements of hybrid and extended-range vehicles. It sets a new benchmark for new energy power solutions.

One of the Global R&D Centers of Changan Automobile in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area. (Photo/Changan Automobile)

The Changan New Blue Whale Power project, developed collaboratively by Chinese and British teams in Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area, highlights the trend of international collaboration in automotive R&D. 

Zhu Huarong, Chairman of Changan Automobile, emphasized the importance of the company's global R&D network in enhancing Changan's worldwide influence by leveraging high-quality global resources.

Changan Automobile operates 16 global product and technology centers with over 18,000 research personnel. Established in 2010, the Changan UK Research and Development Center focuses on advanced automotive powertrain technologies, particularly engine and transmission systems.

Changan Automobile's extensive global network enables it to remain at the forefront of the automotive industry. By quickly incorporating the latest global advancements into its technologies, Changan Automobile significantly bolsters its capabilities in independent research and development.

In 2023, the number of Chinese automotive patents reached 327,300, representing a 14.02% year-on-year growth. Invention patents alone totaled 107,800. Changan has taken the lead in intelligent patent filings, with 5,739 patents registered in 2023.

The robot arms operate welding tasks at Changan Automobile's factory in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area. (Photo/Wang Jiaxi)

Zhu emphasized the pivotal role of new quality productive forces, a notable concept in China this year, which propels high-quality development. As a key player in the intelligent connected new energy vehicle industry, Changan Automobile remains steadfast in its commitment to technological innovation. 

In 2024, Changan Automobile aims to unveil a series of new and revised products, including eight innovative new energy vehicles, with the goal of achieving sales and production exceeding 2.65 million units.