Changan Automobile unveils expansion plans for Middle East, Africa markets

Beijing (Gasgoo)- On August 31, Chinese automaker Changan Automobile held its 2024 Middle East and Africa Brand Event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. At the event, Changan introduced three major brands and outlined its future product lineup for the region, while announcing plans to enhance localized operations and services, presenting a comprehensive vision for its renewed presence in the Middle East and Africa.

Photo credit: Changan Automobile

Since entering the Middle East and African markets in 1994, Changan has consistently provided high-quality vehicles, including popular models such as the Yuexiang series, CS series, and UNI series. The company boasts over 100 service touchpoints in the region and operates the world's largest Changan flagship store in Riyadh. Changan has long held the position of the top-selling Chinese auto brand in Saudi Arabia, with cumulative sales exceeding 400,000 units in the region.

Photo credit: Changan Automobile

Looking ahead, Changan plans to introduce 10 models in the Middle East and Africa, including the UNI-S and the new UNI-V 2.0T. The company also aims to launch advanced smart cloud services and expand its lineup with new energy vehicles from DEEPAL and AVATR brands. Changan is committed to enhancing customer service by establishing a local subsidiary, spare parts centers, and a technical support hub, aiming to improve response times by 50%. Additionally, Changan will build a professional maintenance team to offer comprehensive service experiences and explore diverse collaborations, including joint ventures, financial services, and logistics.

Amid the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes economic and energy transformation, Changan is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles in the Middle East and Africa. The company is pursuing a dual strategy of expanding both petrol and new energy vehicle offerings to tap into this emerging market. Changan's goal is to achieve overseas sales of 1.2 million units annually by 2030, with the Middle East and Africa playing a pivotal role.

Simultaneously, Changan Automobile is enhancing its global footprint, with its Thailand factory set to begin local production in Southeast Asia. DEEPAL has also commenced presales in Latin America, with plans to enter Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In the first seven months of 2024, Changan's overseas sales reached 228,000 units, which soared 67.6% year over year.