Changan president proposes to promote China auto brands, intelligentize auto products to 13th NPC

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Zhu Huarong, President of Changan Automobile Co., Ltd (Changan Auto) will deliver his proposal focusing on the image promotion of China's auto brands and intelligentization for auto industry at the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) where he was elected to be a delegate for the first time, according to local media.

With the development of the auto industry in China, Chinese automakers’ awareness of brand construction is heightened day by day. Zhu Huarong reveals that Changan Auto will make a substantial adjustment in the first half of this year to boost its brand image and build itself into a world-class automaker. 

In addition, Zhu appeals to the government to strengthen the governance of intelligent-connect vehicle (ICV) industry and accelerate the establishment of the law and regulation system.

This proposal coincides with the current trends that local governments are promoting the release and implementation of autonomous vehicle-related laws and regulations. In December last year, Beijing released two documents saying that the qualified companies are allowed to test their autonomous vehicles on approved roads. On March 1st this year, Shanghai authorities issued a regulation about ICV test in Shanghai and announced that SAIC Motor and NIO have got China's first batch of plates for the public road test of ICVs. Additionally, Zhu also advocates Chongqing ICV manufacturing innovation center to be upgraded into a national level center. 

Changan Auto has deepened its layout in auto intelligentization. As early as April 2016, the automaker completed a 2000km autonomous trip from Chongqing to Beijing, at a maximum speed of 120km/h. This is China's first long-distance autonomous driving test. In November last year, the automaker received its autonomous vehicle testing permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Besides, Zhu Huarong revealed that the company is expected to sell its autonomous vehicles in 2025.

As to new energy vehicle (NEV), Zhu said that Changan Auto aims to catch up with the world-class peers with heavy investments in this area.

Changan Auto initiated its Mission Shangri-La new energy strategy to accomplish three major NEV platforms by the end of 2020. Besides, the company plans to ban the sale of conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles in 2025 and achieve the electrification of its whole full spectrum products.