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By Moses Akaigwe
Changan has produced 30 million vehicles globally, becoming the first independent Chinese automaker to reach this milestone.
The last 10 million units took only four years, showing a dramatic acceleration in global momentum.
By 2030, Changan aims for 5 million annual sales, 60% NEV (new-energy vehicle) share 30% overseas sales.
Changan has marked one of the most significant milestones in its global journey. On December 9, the brand’s 30 millionth vehicle rolled off the production line in China, making Changan the first independent Chinese automaker to reach this achievement since entering the industry in 1983.
While the first 20 million vehicles took almost four decades, the final 10 million were produced in just four years – a clear signal of a brand rapidly accelerating into its next era.
A Global Brand Built For The Future
Changan today operates five major sub-brands – Avatr, Nevo, Deepal, Changan, and Kaicheng – each specialising in different segments of the mobility landscape, from luxury EVs to intelligent off-roaders.
The company’s momentum grew even stronger on July 29, when China Changan Automobile Group Co., Ltd. became a newly established state-owned enterprise under the direct management of China’s central government, entering the same league as FAW and Dongfeng.
At its first media briefing, Chairman Zhu Huarong outlined an ambitious direction:
5 million annual vehicle sales by 2030, 60% NEV share with over 30% apportioned to global exports. This direction aligns closely with the rising South African appetite for future-ready, affordable mobility.
Milestones That Show Real Momentum
Changan now joins a select group of automakers that have crossed the 30-million threshold, standing alongside SGMW and FAW-Volkswagen. By comparison, FAW-Volkswagen took 34 years to reach the milestone, and Volkswagen globally took 46 years. Changan’s pace illustrates rising consumer trust across global markets, with recent sales figures reinforcing this: 283,000 vehicles sold in November (+2.3% YoY), 125,000 NEVs sold (+23% YoY) and 55,000 exports (+47% YoY). In addition, Deepal – which offers the S07 EV in South Africa, surpassed 700,000 cumulative deliveries.
A Bold Roadmap To 2030
At the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, Changan announced it will launch over 50 new-energy vehicle models by 2030. All will be built on the brand’s new Tianshu intelligent architecture, which will underpin entry-level SUV’s, mid-to-large MPV’s and off-road and adventure vehicles.
Tianshu represents Changan’s next leap in intelligent engineering, safety leadership, efficiency, and long-distance confidence.
For South Africans, these global milestones are more than statistics – they indicate what’s coming next, with confidence. Changan’s expansion into the country is backed by the same engineering muscle, EV expertise and intelligent technology driving its global rise.
As models like the Hunter REEV, Deepal S07, and future Tianshu-based platforms arrive, local customers gain access to high-value vehicles engineered for real South African roads, intelligent safety and connectivity systems and exciting future-facing NEV technology.
Driven to Evolve: South Africa’s Journey Is Just Beginning
Changan South Africa is part of a global movement toward smarter mobility – one that prioritises accessibility, durability and everyday practicality. Reaching 30 million vehicles is not just a production milestone – it is a marker of continuous transformation.
As Changan expands globally and deepens its footprint in South Africa, our commitment remains clear: to bring innovation within reach, to empower journeys of every kind, and to evolve alongside the people who rely on our vehicles. This is what it means to be Driven to Evolve.
Mikano Motors: Power behind Changan in Nigeria
In Nigeria the power behind the brand is Mikano Motors, where all Changan vehicles come with a best- in- continent six-year/ 200,000km warranty.
Boasting the most diverse range and catering to every taste and requirement, Changan is quickly becoming one of the leading auto brands in Nigeria.
The opulent and luxurious UNI series, a premium tier sub-brand, is under the Changan marque.
Apart from the flagship UNI-K, there is the smaller, but no less impressive UNI- T, also with a vast array of modern features, such as remote driving, as well as the UNI-V sedan with a futuristic design and equally futuristic features.
The line-up also includes the award-winning CS 55 and CS35 SUVs, as well as the popular Alsvin sedan. Attracting customers in the pick-up segment is the Hunter pick-up and the much improved newer Plus model.
Globally, these are all vehicles that enhance Changan Auto’s enviable reputation as the manufacturer of a wide range of very safe and top quality vehicles used in all parts of the world.
The automaker is also ranked first among China’s best-selling homegrown auto brands, also because of its quality.
