Milestone model was an AVATR 12 from the brand’s joint venture with CATL and Huawei.
Changan Automobile has become the first Chinese automaker to produce 30 million vehicles, achieving the milestone on December 9, 2025.
The company, which was entered the automotive production space in 1983, produced its most recent 10 million vehicles in just four years after taking 38 years to produce the first 20 million.
Changan now operates five sub-brands including AVATR, Qiyuan, Deepal, Changan, and Kaicene, and recently completed a corporate reorganisation that established it as a state-owned enterprise under central government management.
The automaker has set ambitious targets to produce five million vehicles annually by 2030, with new energy vehicles (NEVs) comprising over 60% of sales and overseas markets accounting for more than 30%.
Milestone achievement accelerates production pace
The 30 millionth vehicle represents a significant acceleration in Changan’s manufacturing capabilities, with the company requiring only four years to progress from 20 million to 30 million units.
The achievement compares to Chinese joint ventures SAIC-GM-Wuling and FAW Volkswagen, both of which have hit the 30 million vehicle milestone, but makes Changan the first solely Chinese car maker to achieve the target.
FAW-Volkswagen, whose famous VW Santana took China by storm in the 90s and 00s, took 34 years to reach the same milestone, while Volkswagen themselves took 46 years to achieve this number on a global scale, albeit in times of far smaller vehicle production.
FAW-Volkswagen’s 30 millionth vehicle was an Audi A5L, highlighting the premium segment focus of established manufacturers.
Corporate restructuring positions for growth
A significant reorganisation occurred on July 29, when China Changan Automobile Group Co., Ltd. was officially established as a new state-owned enterprise directly under central government management, joining FAW and Dongfeng in this category.
Chairman Zhu Huarong outlined the company’s strategic vision at the first media briefing, targeting annual production and sales of 5 million vehicles by 2030.
The 2030 strategy emphasises new energy vehicle development, with NEVs expected to represent over 60% of total sales.
International expansion features prominently in the plan, with overseas sales targeted to exceed 30% of total volume, representing a significant increase from current levels.
Strong recent performance across segments
November sales figures demonstrated Changan’s continued momentum, with 283,000 vehicles sold representing a year-on-year increase of 2.3%. The company’s NEV segment showed particularly strong growth, with 125,000 units sold in November marking a 23% year-on-year increase.
Overseas sales reached 55,000 vehicles, representing a substantial 47% year-on-year growth.
However, Changan’s NEV export performance ranked 11th last month with only 4,189 units exported, trailing behind NEV startups including XPeng and Leapmotor.
Sub-brand performance varied, with Qiyuan leading at 46,909 vehicles sold, followed by Deepal at 33,060 vehicles, and AVATR at 14,057 vehicles.
Deepal has achieved cumulative deliveries of 700,000 vehicles, demonstrating the success of Changan’s multi-brand strategy.
Ambitious expansion plans through 2030
At the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, Changan announced plans to launch more than 50 NEV models by 2030, all equipped with the company’s new Tianshu intelligent architecture, with models spanning entry-level SUVs, mid-to-large MPVs, and off-road vehicles.
This expansion represents one of the most ambitious new energy vehicle development programmes announced by any Chinese automaker, positioning Changan to compete across all major vehicle categories as the industry transitions towards electrification.
The milestone achievement and future plans underscore the rapid transformation of China’s automotive industry, with independent manufacturers like Changan now competing directly with established international brands in both domestic and export markets.
