Changan Auto made multiple noteworthy movements in the past year. Its joint venture with Mazda merged with the other Mazda joint venture in China, FAW Mazda.

Later on, Changan Auto and NIO’s former 50/50 joint venture experienced several actions and concluded as a brand-new EV brand, the AVATR. On the other hand, the automaker’s wholly-owned brands saw exceptional sales results in 2021.

UNI-T; photo credit: Changan Auto

Let us take a look at what Changan Auto was up to during the past year.

Changan Auto 2021 sales volume rises 15% YoY to 2.3 million vehicles

China’s major automaker, Changan Auto, reported a prominent year with its annual sales volume growing in each aspect in 2021 compared to a year ago.

The automaker sold 178,019 vehicles in December, decreasing 11.26% year on year. In 2021, Changan Auto sold a total of 2,300,530 vehicles, representing a 14.82% increase from a year ago.

The cumulative annual sales volume of the company’s wholly-owned brands summed up to 1,754,707 vehicles, rising 16.7% compared to 2020. Meanwhile, with 1,204,203 vehicles sold, the group’s wholly-owned passenger vehicle sector managed a 23.08% jump from a year ago.  

Changan Auto, ZongmuTech extend partnership for ADAS application

Changan Auto announced that it had joined hands with China’s autonomous driving developer, ZongmuTech, for advanced intelligent driving applications.

The two companies will dive into the intelligent driving field, exploring and planning the integrated applications of new intelligent driving technologies and new products in the park/drive scenarios.  

Changan AVATR brand officially makes premiere in Shanghai

Today, Changan Auto’s Avatr Technology launched its subsidiary brand officially, AVATR, as the automaker’s high-end EV line and unveiled the brand’s first EV model, the AVATR 11, in Shanghai.

Avatr Technology, formerly known as Changan NIO, was established as a joint venture between Changan and NIO in 2018. In May this year, its name was changed to Avatr, and started its independent operation.

Changan’s Avatr adds CATL as new investor, NIO’s stake reduced

Avatr Technology (Chongqing) Co., LTD, plans to increase investment with 6 new investors, including China’s battery giant CATL, Chongqing Changan Auto Company, Avatr’s parent company, said in a statement.

Avatr was established as Changan NIO, a joint venture between Changan and NIO, in 2018. In May this year, its name was changed to Avatr and started its independent operation. Its business scope covers development of automotive parts, sales of vehicles, including new energy vehicles.

Horizon Robotics, Changan-FAW-Dongfeng venture establish AI chip lab

Edge-AI technology developer Horizon Robotics teamed up with China Automotive Innovation Corporation (CAIC) to build a collaborative next-generation AI chip innovation development laboratory.

The co-founded lab is positioned as a "synergetic innovation platform, high-tech incubator, talent cultivator" that focuses on organizing a top-tier technical team for AI chip and algorithms, supporting the supply chain development of the intelligent driving segment.

Changan Auto expects annual NEV sales to surpass 1 million units in 2025

Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. (Changan) plans to launch 21 all-new intelligent all-electric vehicle models within five years and expects its annual new energy vehicle (NEV) sales to reach 1.05 million units by 2025, Wang Jun, President of Changan, said at the 2021 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC).

The expectation on the NEV sales is in line with the sales target Changan announced in late August at its 2021 Tech Ecosystem Summit. The automaker claimed then it aimed to sell 3 million vehicles in 2025, 35% of which would be NEVs.

Changan Auto partners with Chinasoft International for auto industry digitalization

Chongqing Changan Automobile Co.,Ltd. (Changan Auto) and Chinasoft International Limited (Chinasoft International), a Hong Kong-listed software and information technology services provider, recently formed a strategic partnership to co-boost digital transition for the automotive industry, according to an announcement Chinasoft International issued on Aug. 25.

Under the agreement, both parties will co-work on the software innovation for intelligent-connected vehicle (ICV)-related full-scenario mobility services, which pivot on 5G technology, Internet of Vehicles (IoV) big data, intelligent cloud, intelligent cockpit, smart mobility, and other smart services.

Changan Mazda introduces FAW Group as new shareholder

Changan Mazda, currently a 50/50 joint venture between Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. (Changan Auto) and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda), will be restructured by introducing FAW Group as a new investor, signifying the final solution to the long-rumored combination of Mazda's two Chinese joint ventures.

According to a statement jointly issued by Changan Auto, Mazda, and FAW Group on Aug. 24, the Changchun-based state-owned automaker will acquire 5% stake in Changan Mazda at an assessed consideration of the 60% equity interests it holds in FAW Mazda Motor Sales Co. Ltd. (FMSC). After completion of relevant regulatory procedures, the equity proportion of two existing shareholders will be each diluted to 47.5%.

First vehicle of Changan-backed Avatr Technology armed with Huawei HI solution

The first vehicle model of Avatr Technology Co.,Ltd., whose forerunner is Changan Automobile and NIO’s joint venture Changan NIO, will be a mid-sized SUV code-named E11, Changan Automobile revealed on May 26.

The SUV will rides on a new-generation smart EV platform and is armed with Huawei HI (Huawei Inside) smart car solution. Its design prototype has already come off the assembly line, the automaker said.

Changan Suzuki changes name to Lingyao Automobile

Chongqing Changan Suzuki Automobile Co.,Ltd. (Changan Suzuki), formerly the joint venture between Changan Automobile and Suzuki, has changed its name to Chongqing Lingyao Automobile Co.,Ltd. (Lingyao), according to the corporate data platform Tianyancha.

Lingyao has a line of businesses including the production and sale of cars, engines and auto parts, the supply of after-sales services, and the R&D of relevant products and technologies, according to Tianyancha.