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•Sustains momentum in Nigeria
By Moses Akaigwe
With its popularity and customer base growing in various regions and markets across the world, including Nigeria and the Middle East, Changan Automobile has engaged a high gear towards being among the front-runners in Europe.
The automaker hopes to match – and possibly improve on – the success of SAIC’s MG brand, BYD and Chery in Europe, by launching eight new models, as well as plug-in hybrid versions of existing EVs, in the next three years.
Specifically, Changan intends to move from a visible market presence to becoming a major player by leveraging on the successful combination of affordable, tech-forward electric vehicles (EVs) and strategic local partnerships.
This is coming at a time when Changan has achieved significant success in Nigeria through its partner, Changan Motors, which has rapidly driven the brand from a new entrant to a recognised competitor against established Japanese and European nameplates.
Mikano Motors has helped to give Changan a strong reputation for affordability, modern technology, and reliability, with its CS55 model crowned the 2024 Nigeria Car of the Year.
Changan’s strategy for Europe
Product Offensive: Changan Automobile plans to launch eight new models, including Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) versions of the Deepal S05 and S07 to avoid EU import duties on pure EVs.
Brand expansion: Changan also plans to Introduce vehicles under its Changan, Deepal, and Avatr brands.
Investment: Part of the offensive is a pledge to invest €2 billion in Europe by 2030 for infrastructure, aiming for 1,000 sales and service points.
Market timing: Implementation of the plan commenced in 2025 with formal entry into Europe, supporting its global goal of 3 million vehicle sales in 2025 and 5 million by 2030.
Changan Auto’s confidence is buoyed by the fact that Chinese brands are gaining traction, with rising consideration from European consumers, though facing hurdles like tariffs and infrastructure development.
Success in the Middle East
According to Unicom Motor, in recent years, Changan Middle East has emerged as one of the fastest-growing success stories in the region’s automotive industry.
As competition intensifies across the Middle East automotive market, buyers are increasingly looking for vehicles that combine advanced technology, modern design, and competitive pricing—an area where Changan has proven to be highly competitive.
Once viewed as a value-focused alternative, Changan cars in the Middle East are now gaining widespread recognition for their reliability, premium features, and strong performance in challenging climates.
Driven by rapid expansion in key markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other GCC countries, Changan has successfully positioned itself as a smart choice for both private buyers and fleet operators.
Its growing lineup of SUVs and new-energy vehicles is designed specifically to meet regional demands, including hot weather durability and long-distance driving comfort.
As a result, Changan’s growth in the Middle East automotive market reflects not only the brand’s strategic localization efforts, but also a broader shift in consumer trust toward high-quality Chinese car brand.
Sustaining momentum of success in Nigeria
The success story of the Changan brand in Nigeria is predicated on the reputation of Mikano Motors as one of the foremost auto assembly and marketing companies in the country.
With a showroom on Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, which is usually described as the best in the country, Mikano Motors has in less than three years taken the brand to the top of the market with a range of affordable, quality cars that are backed with strong warranties and after-sales support.
Changan ended 2024 on a winning note in Nigeria when it received the prestigious Nigeria Car of the Year award for the beautiful Changan CS55.
The award was presented to Mikano Motors by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in December, 2024.
Exactly one year after, in December, 2025, the CS55 was again adjudged the Midsize SUV of the Year (2025): by NAJA at the awards night members organised at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.
At the same NAJA Awards night, Changan’s local partner and assembler, Mikano Motors, was declared the “Auto Company of the Year”
