Written by Changan Automobile
Changan Automobile is one of China’s biggest carmakers, based in Chongqing, with roots that go back to an 1862 arsenal. In this guide you’ll find the 2026 lineup from Changan, Deepal, Avatr and Nevo, as well as the company’s history, its owners and its records.
Changan Automobile at a Glance
Founded 1862 Roots in a Shanghai arsenal
Headquarters Chongqing, China Based there since 1937
Owner China Changan Automobile Group State-owned, since 2025
Sales, 2025 2.91 million Including Ford and Mazda joint ventures
Leadership Zhu Huarong Chairman
Stock SZSE: 000625 Listed in Shenzhen since 1997
Changan Automobile Model Lineup
Changan Automobile sells cars under several brands, so the list below groups the core 2026 models by brand and type. Changan and Nevo cover gas, hybrid and range-extender models, while Deepal and Avatr are the newer electrified brands. In addition, Changan builds Ford and Mazda models in China through joint ventures.
Changan SUVs (4)
Midsize SUV
CS75 Plus
Gas 3 million+ CS75s sold
The CS75 Plus first arrived in 2019, and the all-new generation launched in September 2024. In fact, the CS75 series has passed 3 million sales, and it sold 217,522 in 2025 alone. After that, a hybrid version was revealed in March 2026.
Compact SUV
CS55 Plus
Gas Sold in Mexico
The CS55 Plus is a compact SUV that sits below the CS75 Plus. It’s also one of four Changan models that launched in Mexico in March 2026, along with the Alsvin Plus, CS35 Max and CS75 Plus.
Midsize SUV
UNI-K
Gas Plug-in hybrid
The UNI-K arrived in 2020, when the UNI series was still new. Then an iDD plug-in hybrid version followed in 2022.
Compact SUV
UNI-T
Gas First UNI model
The UNI-T went on sale in June 2020 as the first model in the UNI series, and the 2017 Yuyue concept previewed it. In addition, CAOA Changan assembles it in Anápolis, Brazil.
Changan and Nevo sedans and pickups (3)
Compact sedan
Eado
Gas 2 million+ sold
The Eado has been on sale since 2012, and the fourth generation got a facelift in August 2025. It has passed 2 million sales, and it was the best-selling Chinese-brand gas sedan in 2025.
Electrified sedan
Nevo A05
Nevo brand Called Qiyuan in China
The A05 is a sedan from Nevo, which is called Qiyuan in China. Nevo sells electric and range-extender cars, and it passed 1 million total sales in September 2026.
Range-extender pickup
Hunter
Range extender 180 km electric (CLTC)
The Hunter pickup has used a range-extender setup since December 2023, so it can drive 180 km on electricity alone on the CLTC test. Outside China it’s sold as the Hunter K50, which launched in Thailand in March 2025.
Deepal (3)
Midsize SUV
Deepal S07
Electrified UK from £39,990
Since it arrived in 2023, the S07 has spread to many markets. For example, it launched in the UK in September 2025 from £39,990, while Australian deliveries began in December 2024.
Compact SUV
Deepal S05
Electrified Built in Thailand
The S05 arrived in 2024, and then an updated version came in August 2026. In addition, a right-hand-drive S05 was the first car built at the Changan plant in Rayong, Thailand, in May 2025.
Off-road SUV
Deepal G318
Electrified Since 2023
The G318 is the boxy off-road SUV of the Deepal range, and it joined the lineup in 2023. As a result, its rugged shape sets it apart from the sleek S and L models.
Avatr (2)
Electric SUV
Avatr 07
Huawei tech Since 2024
The 07 SUV arrived in 2024, and like every Avatr, it uses Huawei driver-assistance and cockpit tech. Later, an 07L version joined the lineup in 2026.
Electric sedan
Avatr 12
Huawei tech Since 2023
The 12 is the Avatr sedan, and it had its world premiere at IAA Mobility in Munich in 2023. Meanwhile, Avatr plans a 9-series flagship SUV for the end of 2026.
What Is Changan Automobile?
Changan Automobile traces its roots to 1862, when Li Hongzhang founded an arsenal in Shanghai. The arsenal moved to Nanjing, and then to Chongqing in 1937, where the company is still based today.
The first Changjiang 46, a copy of the Willys Jeep, was built in 1958, and series production started in 1959. Later, in 1984, the first Changan-branded microvans left the line, using Suzuki technology.
Today Changan Automobile is controlled by China Changan Automobile Group, a state-owned group that was set up in July 2025. In 2025 the company sold 2.91 million vehicles, including its Ford and Mazda joint ventures, while its own brands sold about 2.47 million. However, 2026 sales are running about 18% lower through September.
Changan Automobile History
Changan Automobile grew from a 19th-century arsenal into a carmaker that has built more than 30 million vehicles.
- 1862 Li Hongzhang founds the Shanghai Foreign Gun Bureau, the earliest root of Changan.
- 1937 The arsenal moves to Chongqing, which is still the home of Changan today.
- 1958 The first Changjiang 46 jeep is built, and then series production starts in 1959.
- 1984 The first Changan microvan and mini truck arrive, using Suzuki technology.
- 1993 Changan and Suzuki form a joint venture, while Changan lists in Shenzhen in 1997.
- 2001 After that, Changan and Ford start their joint venture in China.
- 2006 The BenBen arrives as the first car Changan developed itself.
- 2012 The CS35 and Eado launch, while Changan Ford and Changan Mazda become separate joint ventures.
- 2018 Avatr is founded as a joint venture with NIO, and Suzuki leaves Changan Suzuki.
- 2022 Later, the SL03 launches as the first Deepal model.
- 2025 Changan launches in Europe in March, and its plant in Rayong, Thailand, opens in May.
- 2025 In July, China Changan Automobile Group is launched as a new state-owned group.
- 2025 Then Changan builds its 30 millionth vehicle in December.
- 2026 Finally, Avatr refiles for a Hong Kong stock listing in June.
Iconic Changan Models
Changan Automobile has built millions of everyday cars, but these three models also mark turning points.
2012
CS35
Compact SUV Built in Russia from 2016
The CS35 launched in October 2012, and it was one of the first Changan SUVs. Later, it was also assembled in Lipetsk, Russia, from 2016.
2022
Deepal SL03
EV, range extender, hydrogen
The SL03 was the first Deepal model, and it came as an EV, a range-extender and even a hydrogen fuel-cell car. In fact, Changan claims a drag coefficient of just 0.23.
2022
Avatr 11
First Avatr Huawei tech
In fact, the 11 was the first Avatr model, and it launched in 2022. It also set the pattern for the brand, since it uses Huawei driver-assistance and cockpit tech.
Who Owns Changan Automobile?
Changan Automobile is controlled by China Changan Automobile Group, a central state-owned group under SASAC. When AutoGathering has a page for a brand, its name below links to that page.
Parent company China Changan Automobile Group State-owned, since July 2025
This page Chongqing Changan Automobile SZSE: 000625
Brand Deepal Electrified cars
Stake Avatr About 41%, with CATL
Brand Nevo (Qiyuan) Electric and range extender
Brand Kaicene Commercial vehicles
Joint venture Changan Ford 50/50 with Ford
Joint venture Changan Mazda 50/50 with Mazda
Partner brands
Changan builds cars in China with these brands, or did in the past.
For example, Huawei supplies the driver-assistance and cockpit tech in every Avatr, while Avatr owns 10% of Yinwang, the Huawei car unit.
Earlier history
- Changan Suzuki (1993–2018) Suzuki handed over its 50% stake in 2018, after 25 years.
- Changan PSA (2010–2020) This joint venture built DS models from 2014 until it was dissolved in 2020.
- Oshan (until 2024) The Oshan brand was folded into Changan in 2024.
- China South Industries Group (until 2025) The former parent spun off its car business in 2025.
Changan Automobile Accomplishments
The record of Changan Automobile is built on huge volume, as well as fast growth in electrified cars and exports.
30 million
Total vehicles
Changan passed 30 million vehicles in December 2025, and the last 10 million took just 4.5 years.
2.91 million
Sales in 2025
Changan sold a record 2,913,000 vehicles in 2025, including its Ford and Mazda joint ventures.
1.11 million
NEV sales, 2025
Sales of electric and plug-in cars rose 51.1% to a record 1.11 million in 2025.
637,300
Overseas sales, 2025
Overseas sales hit a record 637,300 in 2025, up 18.85% from 2024.
117
Markets
Similarly, Changan now sells cars in 117 markets, up from 63 in 2020.
3 million+
CS75 series
The CS75 series has passed 3 million sales since it launched in 2014.
400,000
Deepal in 29 months
In addition, Deepal reached 400,000 total sales in just 29 months.
No. 4
Russia, 2024
Changan was the fourth-best-selling brand in Russia in 2024, with about 103,000 sales.
Talk Changan With Other Owners
When you own a Changan, Deepal or Avatr, you’ll have plenty to share, whether it’s a road trip in a CS75 Plus or charging tips for an S07. Soon, AutoGathering will connect this page to a Changan community space where you can compare models, swap advice and plan meetups.
- CS75 Plus and CS55 Plus
- UNI-T and UNI-K
- Deepal S07 and S05
- Avatr 07 and 12
- Hunter pickup
- Nevo models
- Changan in Europe and Australia
- Buying used
Changan Automobile FAQ
Who owns Changan Automobile?
Changan Automobile is controlled by China Changan Automobile Group, a central state-owned group set up in July 2025. Before that, it was part of China South Industries Group.
Where is Changan from?
In general, Changan is based in Chongqing, China. Its roots go back to an arsenal founded in Shanghai in 1862, which moved to Chongqing in 1937.
Are Deepal and Avatr part of Changan?
Yes. Deepal is a Changan brand, while Changan owns about 41% of Avatr and CATL holds 14.1%. In addition, Avatr uses Huawei technology.
Does Changan build Ford and Mazda cars?
Yes. Changan Ford and Changan Mazda are 50/50 joint ventures that build cars in China.
Where are Changan cars sold outside China?
Changan sells in 117 markets. For example, you can buy its cars in Europe and the UK since 2025, as well as in Australia, Mexico, Thailand, Russia and the Middle East.
Does Changan race?
Not with its own factory team. However, the Changan Ford joint venture team won the China Touring Car Championship teams’ title every year from 2009 to 2016.
How many cars does Changan Automobile sell?
Changan Automobile sold 2.91 million vehicles in 2025, including its joint ventures. However, sales through September 2026 were about 18% lower than a year earlier.
Explore More Manufacturers
Compare Changan Automobile with its partners and other Chinese carmakers.
Photo credits
- Header image: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Gray fourth-generation Changan CS75 Plus SUV parked…: JustAnotherCarDesigner, CC0, cropped and resized.
- White second-generation Changan CS55 Plus compact SUV: SAIC GM sucks, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Silver Changan UNI-K midsize SUV parked by…: Jengtingchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Dark gray second-generation Changan UNI-T SUV, front…: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Light blue fourth-generation Changan Eado sedan: JustAnotherCarDesigner, CC0, cropped and resized.
- White Changan Nevo A05 sedan parked on…: JustAnotherCarDesigner, CC0, cropped and resized.
- Feather White Changan Nevo Hunter K50 Knight…: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Deepal S07 electric SUV, sold in China…: Quzhouliulian, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Blue Deepal S05 compact SUV on display…: JustAnotherCarDesigner, CC0, cropped and resized.
- White Deepal G318 off-road SUV parked by…: Zoerides, CC0, cropped and resized.
- Purple Avatr 07 electric SUV at a…: JustAnotherCarDesigner, CC0, cropped and resized.
- Gray Avatr 12 electric sedan parked by…: JustAnotherCarDesigner, CC0, cropped and resized.
- White first-generation Changan CS35 compact SUV, front…: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- White Deepal SL03 electric sedan, sold in…: User3204, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- White Avatr 11 electric SUV, front view: User3204, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.