Changan Automobile
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Company History
Founded 1862 in Chongqing, China
Founded in 1862 by Qing statesman Li Hongzhang as an arms factory, Changan is China's oldest enterprise, pivoting from military jeeps in 1959 to building 2.5 million cars a year today.
Qing Dynasty statesman Li Hongzhang founds the Bureau of Western Arms in Shanghai in December 1862, marking the beginning of China's modern industrial history and Changan's direct lineage.
Changan manufactures China's first domestically designed and built military off-road vehicle, the Yangtze River Type 46, which was reviewed by Chairman Mao Zedong.
Under national economic reform directives, Changan partners with Suzuki to manufacture compact minivans and light commercial trucks, mobilizing small businesses across China.
Changan and Ford Motor Company establish a 50:50 joint venture in Chongqing, manufacturing popular global models including the Focus, Mondeo, and Fiesta.
Changan releases the CS35, followed by the blockbuster CS75 SUV, establishing Changan as China's top-selling domestic SUV brand for multiple consecutive years.
Changan announces the historic 'Shangri-La Plan,' pledging over RMB 100 billion to phase out pure internal combustion engines and transition to electrified architectures.
Launches Deepal (Shenlan) for mass-market smart EVs and Avatr alongside CATL and Huawei for luxury intelligent driving.
Changan breaks ground on a 10 billion baht () EV factory in Rayong, Thailand, to serve as its right-hand-drive export hub for Southeast Asia and Australasia.
Changan acquired Suzuki's entire 50% equity stake in their longstanding joint venture for a symbolic 1 yuan (.15), taking 100% control of the manufacturing facilities in Chongqing.
Restructured the former Changan-NIO joint venture into Avatr Technology, partnering with battery titan CATL and technology conglomerate Huawei to build an ultra-premium intelligent electric vehicle marque.
Since its establishment in 1862, Changan Automobile expanded from an early-stage venture into a recognized leader in Automotive / Electric Vehicles, overcoming key market challenges.
Over its history, Changan Automobile executed decisive strategic pivots toward scalable monetization and digital distribution, securing its current market leadership.
By continually modernizing operations and embracing workflow automation, Changan Automobile maintains resilience through changing technological and economic cycles.