Changan Automobile has become the first Chinese automaker to produce 30 million vehicles, reaching this historic milestone on December 9, 2025. The milestone vehicle was an AVATR 12, part of Changan’s joint venture with CATL and Huawei.
Founded in 1983, Changan took 38 years to produce its first 20 million vehicles. Remarkably, the company reached the 30 million mark in just four additional years, reflecting a significant acceleration in its production capabilities.
Changan now operates five sub-brands, AVATR, Qiyuan, Deepal, Changan, and Kaicene, and recently completed a corporate reorganization, establishing itself as a state-owned enterprise under direct central government management.
The company has set ambitious goals to produce five million vehicles annually by 2030, with new energy vehicles (NEVs) projected to make up more than 60% of total sales and overseas markets accounting for over 30% of output.
Reaching 30 million vehicles in just four years highlights Changan’s rapid growth. While joint ventures such as SAIC-GM-Wuling and FAW-Volkswagen have also hit the 30 million mark, Changan is the first fully Chinese manufacturer to achieve this milestone independently.
For context, FAW-Volkswagen, whose VW Santana became a household name in China during the 1990s and 2000s, took 34 years to reach 30 million units, while Volkswagen globally took 46 years to hit the same number, during a period of much lower overall production. FAW-Volkswagen’s milestone vehicle was an Audi A5L, reflecting its focus on the premium segment.
A major reorganization on July 29, 2025, saw the establishment of China Changan Automobile Group Co., Ltd. as a state-owned enterprise directly under central government oversight, joining the ranks of FAW and Dongfeng.
Chairman Zhu Huarong outlined the company’s strategy, emphasizing annual production and sales of five million vehicles by 2030.
This plan places a strong focus on NEVs, with the goal of these vehicles representing more than 60% of sales. International expansion is also central, with overseas sales targeted to exceed 30% of total output, representing a substantial increase from current levels.
Changan’s growth momentum remains strong. November 2025 sales totaled 283,000 vehicles, a 2.3% increase year-on-year. The NEV segment showed particularly impressive performance, with 125,000 units sold, representing a 23% increase compared to November 2024.
Overseas sales reached 55,000 units, marking a remarkable 47% year-on-year growth. However, Changan’s NEV export volume ranked 11th last month, with 4,189 units exported, trailing startups like XPeng and Leapmotor.
Among sub-brands, Qiyuan led sales with 46,909 units, followed by Deepal at 33,060 and AVATR at 14,057. Deepal has achieved cumulative deliveries of 700,000 vehicles, highlighting the effectiveness of Changan’s multi-brand strategy.
At the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, Changan revealed plans to launch more than 50 NEV models by 2030, all built on the company’s Tianshu intelligent architecture.
The planned lineup spans entry-level SUVs, mid-to-large MPVs, and off-road vehicles, marking one of the most ambitious NEV development programs announced by any Chinese automaker.
Changan’s milestone achievement and future plans underscore the rapid transformation of China’s automotive industry. Independent manufacturers like Changan are now competing directly with established international brands, both domestically and in export markets, as the industry pivots toward electrification.
