Chinese automaker Changan plans to build a factory in Europe to support its future sales on the continent and is currently evaluating potential locations.
Nic Thomas, Changan’s head of marketing, sales, and service in Europe, said the company is committed to producing vehicles locally for the European market. He added that Changan is already in the planning stages, based on expected sales volumes, though he did not provide a timeline for the plant.
Changan said in March that it aims to enter 10 European markets this year with electric vehicle models. In the UK, the company will begin selling its electric Deepal S07 SUV in 2024, with deliveries starting in September.
Thomas also said that Changan sold 600,000 vehicles outside China last year and aims to increase that number to 1 million in 2024. The company ranked as the 16th largest automaker in the world in 2024, with total sales of just over 2.2 million vehicles.
Changan joins other Chinese automakers expanding into Europe, including BYD and Chery. Both companies have announced plans for local production. BYD is building a plant in Hungary, while Chery will produce cars in Spain through a joint venture with Ebro.
The European Union has imposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, prompting automakers to explore local production options to maintain competitiveness.
On the same day, Chinese automaker Geely announced the launch of its Geely brand in Britain, with plans to sell its electric EX5 SUV in the market.
