The global expansion of Chinese automobiles is rapidly transitioning from a simple "product trading" model to a mature era of "localized production and marketing." As a backbone of China's self-owned brands, Changan Automobile's overseas export volume has firmly secured its position among the top three domestic automakers.
By deepening its comprehensive "Vast Ocean" (Hai Na Bai Chuan) global strategy, Changan Automobile is accelerating its shift from "going global" to "roots global." This article takes a deep dive into Changan's global breakthroughs across four critical dimensions.
Core Data: Export Scale Securely in the Top Three
Changan Automobile's overseas sales have experienced explosive growth in recent years, delivering stellar market performance:
Industry Standing: Total export volume has successfully broken into the top three among Chinese automakers, cementing its status as a formidable force in the global automotive arena.
Sales Volume: In the first three quarters of 2025 alone, Changan's overseas export sales reached 465,000 vehicles, maintaining a steady year-on-year growth rate of 10.7%.
Star Models: Core internal combustion engine (ICE) export models, such as the CS55 PLUS and CS35 PLUS, have contributed significantly, showcasing remarkable month-on-month growth rates and winning the hearts of young overseas consumers.
2. Strategic Blueprint: The "Vast Ocean" Plan Targets 1.2 Million Units
To ensure sustainable global growth, Changan Automobile launched its systematic "Vast Ocean" Plan. This blueprint outlines a clear timeline and roadmap for worldwide expansion:
Global Market Coverage: By 2030, Changan Automobile aims to enter more than 90% of global markets.
Marketing Network: Build over 20 localized marketing organizations worldwide to establish deep local roots.
Overseas Sales Target: Firmly target an ambitious annual overseas sales volume of 1.2 million vehicles, bringing Changan vehicles to millions of households worldwide.
3. Global Manufacturing: Five Key Regions & Thailand's "RHD Base"
Moving beyond mere vehicle exporting to establishing localized factories, Changan Automobile is building a robust manufacturing and sales network worldwide.
A. Breakthrough at the Thailand New Energy Vehicle Base
Changan's Thailand New Energy Vehicle Manufacturing Base, backed by a 4-billion-yuan investment, is now fully operational.
Strategic Role: Serving as Changan's first global "Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Production Base," it boasts an initial annual capacity of 100,000 units.
Target Markets: This facility primarily supplies major global RHD markets, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, South Africa, and Southeast Asia.
B. Meticulous Operation Across Five Core Regions
Changan Automobile is accelerating localized operations across five global regions—the CIS, Europe, Middle East & Africa (MEA), Southeast Asia, and Central & South America—employing tailored product strategies:
ICE Vehicles Expansion: Focusing heavily on traditional stronghold markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Central & South America.
EV Market Cultivation: Shifting major focus to high-value markets with stringent environmental standards, notably Southeast Asia and Europe.
4. Brand Premiumization: Deepal EV Accelerates Global Rollout
Amid the global transition to electrification, Changan's core electric vehicle brand, Deepal, is leading the charge as a global pioneer.
Market Sensation: Strategic models like the Deepal S07 have sparked immense consumer interest in Thailand, rapidly becoming benchmark models in the local EV segment.
Entering Europe: Deepal has successfully entered advanced European markets, making its debut in countries like Norway.
Channel Penetration: By establishing high-standard overseas flagship showrooms globally, Deepal is not just selling cars but reshaping the premium brand perception of Chinese EVs among international consumers.
5. Conclusion
From ranking among the top three in export volume to launching localized production in Thailand and driving premium growth with Deepal, Changan Automobile's "Vast Ocean" plan is yielding fruitful results. Powered by dual ICE-EV engines and advancing across five key regions, Changan Automobile is steadily marching toward its goal of becoming a truly world-class automotive brand.