Changan Automobile plans to establish a European division this year to explore building a local factory, aiming to achieve sales of 300,000 vehicles in Europe by 2030.

According to the company’s recent investor relations records, Changan Auto will introduce its new energy vehicle brands Deepal, Changan Qiyuan, and Avatr in Europe this year, with plans to launch six models by 2027.

Based in Chongqing, Changan Auto initiated its global strategy last year, emphasizing overseas expansion and foreign factory construction, as outlined in its latest market plans outside China.

The company will concentrate on conventional fuel vehicles in Central and South America, targeting sales of 200,000 units by 2030, starting from Mexico where it established a sales unit in February. In Central and East Africa, the focus will be on both fuel cars and NEVs, with a similar sales target. Additionally, a unit and central warehouse for spare parts will be established in the Middle East this year.

In Southeast Asia, Changan Auto’s plant in Rayong, Thailand, will commence production next year with an initial capacity of 100,000 units annually, increasing to 200,000 units by the following year. This expansion aims at serving global right-hand drive markets and presents an opportunity for localized procurement exceeding CNY30 billion (USD 4.1 billion) through auto production.

Changan Auto plans to introduce the Avatr 11, Changan Qiyuan E07, and Lumin models to Thailand this year, with six passenger car models slated for launch by the end of next year. The company will also enter the Australian and New Zealand markets this year, targeting sales of 300,000 units by 2030 across Southeast Asia and these two countries.

Recent announcements of increased tariffs on NEV imports from China by regions including Europe, the United States, and others highlight the urgency for Chinese automakers to accelerate their global business strategies, according to the secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association.