On June 16, a delegation of scholars and experts experienced Chang'an Automobile's new energy vehicle models. (Photo/GSCM)

Chongqing - On June 17, André Tokarski, Representative of the Fundação Maurício Grabois of Brazil, said a visit to Changan Automobile's new energy vehicle facilities showed him that industrial upgrading and environmental protection are not contradictory, but can reinforce each other.

The visit formed part of the International Symposium on the Global Significance of Chinese Modernization, which took place in Chongqing from June 16 to 18. The symposium gathered scholars and think tank experts from China and other countries to explore Chinese modernization through the lens of Global South development.

Changan Automobile, one of Chongqing's leading automakers, is based in Liangjiang New Area. In recent years, the company has made significant progress in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector. In the first five months of 2026, Changan sold 321,736 NEVs, accounting for about 35% of its total vehicle sales.

Meanwhile, NEVs have become one of Chongqing's pillar industries. In 2025, the city's NEV output reached 1.2961 million units, up 36% year on year and nearly 29 times higher than five years earlier.

The delegation first visited Chang'an's manufacturing plant, where rows of automated robotic arms operating along the production line attracted considerable attention from the visitors.

According to the company, the facility is the world's first fully integrated, 5G-enabled, AI-flexible manufacturing plant. All production equipment is connected via a 5G network, and automation on the main production lines is at 100%. The factory can produce different vehicle models on the same assembly line and rolls out a new vehicle every 60 seconds on average.

The group then visited Changan's Global R&D Center, where they viewed NEV models, including Avatr and Deepal, and took test rides in Changan vehicles. Many participants took photos and videos, expressing a strong interest in the intelligent and low-carbon mobility solutions.

Tokarski said Changan's deep integration of automation, artificial intelligence, advanced engineering and clean energy technologies demonstrates the complete industrial ecosystem behind electric vehicles.

He noted that the experience offers valuable lessons for Global South countries. Green transition, he said, should go beyond importing technology and instead promote local industrial development, create high-skilled jobs, and strengthen technological capabilities.

Felipe Enero Segovia, Professor at the Technological Metropolitan University of Chile (UTEM), said the continued growth of clean energy and electric mobility across Latin America is creating new opportunities for cooperation with Chinese NEV companies.

As one of the world's leading producers of copper and lithium, Chile has strong resource advantages for developing the NEV supply chain and serving regional markets, he said. Segovia expressed hope that Changan would further expand its presence in Latin America and promote regional green transformation through industrial cooperation.

Latin America is also a key market in Changan's globalization strategy. In March this year, the company launched production at its new plant in Brazil, marking a shift from vehicle exports to localized industrial development.

The facility represents an important milestone in Changan's transition from exporting vehicles to building localized industrial supply chains. Leveraging its technology, operational systems, and brand strengths, the company is accelerating its integration into local industries and fostering a stable and sustainable development ecosystem.