Chongqing - China Changan Automobile Group unveiled its new global expansion roadmap on April 24 at Auto China 2026, with General Manager Zhao Fei outlining the new strategy at the press conference.

Zhao Fei, General Manager of China Changan Automobile Group, unveiled the company's new global expansion strategy at Auto China 2026. (Photo/Changan)

The launch of this new global strategy marks a key step in advancing Changan’s corporate vision, with Chairman Zhu Huarong stating on April 21 that globalization has become the company’s core strategy and a key driver of its long-term development.

First, Changan's expansion model undergoes a fundamental shift. The company's overseas growth will transition from simple vehicle exports to a fully localized supply chain approach, encompassing manufacturing, trade, investment, services, and ESG initiatives.

To build a strong localized operational core, Changan will collaborate closely with global partners. Over the next three years, its overseas workforce will exceed 4,600, with local employees making up over 70%. This is expected to create more than 15,000 jobs across the upstream and downstream supply chains.

This ambitious strategy is backed by Chang'an's steady growth and solid footprint in overseas markets. Since launching its global strategy in 2023, Changan's overseas sales have climbed steadily, reaching 358,000 in 2023, 536,000 in 2024, and 637,000 in 2025, totaling 1.531 million units over the three years.

Over the past three years, Changan has established 22 overseas manufacturing bases—including a new energy vehicle plant in Rayong, Thailand, and a smart manufacturing plant in Brazil—bringing its total overseas production capacity to 350,000. Furthermore, Changan has entered 21 new overseas markets, expanding its sales network to 118 countries and regions with 1,124 cumulative overseas sales outlets.

Based on this new localized supply chain model, Changan has set new long-term sales and regional market targets. By 2030, Changan aims to double its overseas sales to 1.5 million, striving for a stretch goal of 1.8 million.

Regionally, by 2030, Changan plans to rank among the top five global brands in the Eurasia market. In Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and Central and South America, it aims to be a top-ten position and push for the top five. In Europe, the company aims to become a leader among Chinese automotive brands.

On the same day, Changan launched two debut models representing the new global strategy. Diverging from the company's recent aggressive push into new energy vehicles, these two new cars focus on the internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid markets.

Both feature Changan's latest Blue Core HEV hybrid technology, priced between 79,900 yuan (approx. 11688 U.S. dollars) and 94,900 yuan, and 109,900 yuan to 134,900 yuan after promotional benefits.

This product lineup is driven by careful consideration of market demand. According to Chang'an's data, 53% of users in China still prefer ICE vehicles, and about 70 million users worldwide continue to purchase traditional fuel cars annually.

Changan believes this preference is often a practical choice driven by limited charging infrastructure or specific driving habits, rather than a rejection of electrification. Retaining and upgrading its ICE and hybrid segments is a pragmatic move by Changan to respect diverse global market demands.