Chongqing - The 2025 Chongqing International Auto Exhibition opened on June 7, drawing European media to China for the event and a visit to Chinese auto giant Changan Automobile.

At the auto exhibition, European media got a firsthand look at Changan’s latest models and innovations, followed by a visit to the company’s Intelligent Digital Factory.

On June 6, European media visited the final assembly workshop of Changan Automobile's Digital Intelligence Factory. (Photo/Changan)

In the final assembly workshop, European media were captivated by the automated arms assembling vehicles with precision and efficiency. A Polish influencer, Grzegorz Konieczny, said, “I’m so impressed by how everything is optimized in the factory—how they’re trying to optimize the work using robots and so on. It’s very impressive.”

During the highly anticipated test drive session, media representatives ran toward their preferred vehicles. Italian Travel Vlogger Michele Ponte, after test-driving the Deepal models, commented that the vehicles are very comfortable overall, and larger models are likely to appeal to American consumers.

On June 6, European media representatives test-drove vehicles at the Changan Global R&D Center. (Photo/Changan)

European media also toured the global R&D center and explored the automotive technologies currently under development in Changan’s laboratories.

The visit came just months after Changan's major brand launch event in March. According to Changan, this in-depth exchange with European media is part of its broader internationalization effort. Following the launch event, Changan plans to introduce its Changan, CHANGAN DEEPAL, and AVATR brands to Europe within the next three years, rolling out a total of eight models.

Changan eyes Europe: 10 markets, 200 dealerships by late 2025

European media also had face-to-face discussions with Chairman Zhu Huarong of Changan Automobile, as well as two Executive Vice Presidents, Li Mingcai and Wang Xiaofei, and Vice President Klaus Zyciora.

European media also held face-to-face discussions with Changan Automobile Chairman Zhu Huarong, Executive Vice Presidents Li Mingcai and Wang Xiaofei, and Vice President Klaus Zyciora.

On June 7, at Auto Chongqing 2025, European media representatives had face-to-face discussions with senior executives from Changan Automobile. (Photo/Changan)

Zhu emphasized that Changan has always held deep respect for the European market, and there are many excellent brands that Chinese automakers, including Changan, look up to. To him, Europe is currently the most important market.

This enthusiasm is shared by many Chinese NEV brands, which have increasingly prioritized Europe in their global strategies. According to Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the China Passenger Car Association, China exported a total of 238,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to the EU from January to April 2025—a year-on-year increase of 8.73%. Notably, plug-in hybrid exports surged by 436%.

This aligns with shifting trends in the EU auto market. Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association shows that in the first four months of 2025, BEV sales in the EU grew by 26.4%, making up 15.3% of total new car registrations. PHEV registrations rose by 7.8%, now accounting for 7.9% of new registrations. Meanwhile, petrol car registrations dropped significantly by 20.6%, while diesel vehicles saw a similar decline of 26.4%.

Against this backdrop, Changan is accelerating its European roadmap. Zhu outlined the company’s three-pronged strategy for 2025, focusing on product strategy and expansion targets.

Zhu emphasized that Changan will focus on a selective product strategy, prioritizing a few high-volume models, specifically the CHANGAN DEEPAL S07 and S05, in 2025. The company plans to begin in Norway, move into Germany and the UK, and further expand into Spain, Italy, and Eastern Europe by late 2025. By the end of 2025, Changan aims to establish operations in about 10 European countries, increase its core dealer presence to nearly 200 stores.

Li added that the company is not only focused on BEVs, but is also actively developing PHEVs to meet broader consumer demands across Europe. He confirmed that models will begin entering the European market in the third quarter of 2025.

Observation from the media expressed cautious optimism about Changan’s prospects. German journalist Walther Wuttke highlighted the need for strong dealer networks and persistence, noting, Changan builds good cars with great design and quality. With the right marketing and trusted dealers, European consumers will follow.

Aggelos Stefanopoulos, Changan’s importer in Greece, sees Chinese EV brands like Changan as game-changers, citing their alignment with European preferences and EV trends. Comfort, performance, and features like electric massage seats make them highly attractive, he said.

Michael Georgiadis, General Manager of GOCAR.gr and GOCAR Magazine, noted that Changan's strong design, product quality, and technological features align well with European expectations. He believes that Europeans’ familiarity with Chinese tech products helps build trust, and that Changan’s high quality and strong value proposition will support its success in the market.