Changan has unveiled its ambitious “1+4+4+5” global strategy, signalling a determined push to become one of the world’s top ten automotive brands by 2030.
Central to this plan is a revenue target of RMB600 billion and overseas sales of 1.5 million vehicles. While the announcement reflects a global ambition, its significance for South Africa is particularly striking, as the company reinforces its long-term commitment to the local market.
The strategy is built on electrification, intelligent mobility and international expansion. Changan has outlined six major transformations, including advances in vehicle intelligence, greener powertrains, and a broader mobility ecosystem.
These shifts are designed to deliver safer, more efficient and practical vehicles, while also strengthening customer experience, Changan claims.
South Africa features prominently in Changan’s localisation efforts. The company’s Vast Ocean Plan emphasises global expansion through local integration, ensuring stronger dealer networks, improved parts availability and a more responsive ownership journey.
Changan’s Green Plan and Intelligent Plan further highlight its direction. The former advances new energy vehicle technologies while embedding sustainability across design, manufacturing and recycling. The latter accelerates smart mobility solutions, focusing on safety and user experience.
The company’s global scale underpins its ambitions. In 2025, Changan sold nearly 2.9 million vehicles, including more than 1.1 million new energy models. Its operations span 118 countries, supported by 22 overseas manufacturing facilities and over 1 100 sales outlets. A global R&D team of 24 000 specialists continues to drive innovation.
At the launch, Chairman Zhu Huarong emphasised collaboration and shared prosperity, noting that every transformation creates conditions for new world-class enterprises. His words underline Changan’s intent to deliver not only innovative vehicles but also a credible and trustworthy brand experience
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
General Motors (GM) has renewed its joint venture with China's SAIC Motor Corp for another 20 years, enabling the United States (US) automaker to use China as an export hub amid rising competition from Chinese brands in and outside their home market.
Young South African motorists are increasingly opting for more affordable and practical vehicles as the cost of living puts pressure on household budgets, while still maintaining comprehensive insurance cover.
