Look out, BYD, Chery, Geely, GWM and MG, because a sleeping giant is stirring in Australia and around the world, and it has your market share in its crosshairs.
After decades of being best-known for joint-venture projects with Ford and, by association, Mazda, Changan is charging forward.
Today, the brand says it "…operates 22 manufacturing bases and 93 plants worldwide, serves six major regional markets, including China, and is expanding its presence to 149 countries and regions".
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Here's why Changan vehicles will soon become commonplace.
What are the Changan Nevo, Changan Deepal and Changan Avatr?
The Chinese State-owned parent company will leverage the Nevo, Deepal and Avatr names for its global reach aspirations, as it wants a slice of the mainstream, premium "tech sport trendsetter" and luxury segments that each brand respectively targets.
From October 21 this year, Deepal has started the transition from Inchcape distribution, who also imports Subaru, Foton and, until recently, Peugeot, for Australia, to Changan, with the latter taking full control from April 1, 2027.
Changan will launch Avatr first before mid-next year, quickly followed by Nevo.
China's first vehicle was a Changan copy of a Jeep
A key difference between Changan and the others is history.
The company began as a weapons-making entity in 1862, and began manufacturing the Changjiang Type 46 military vehicle, a reverse-engineered (or copy of a) Jeep CJ5, from 1959 to 1964. This was China's first domestically produced vehicle.
In 1984, Changan signed a licensing agreement with Suzuki to manufacture a version of the Cervo small car and Carry van, and these were the company's first civilian vehicles.
Changan Automobile Group was formally separated from the military and other industrial arms of its past in 2025.
Changan connection with Ford and Mazda
On the experience side, beyond the early Suzuki connection, Changan looked elsewhere, commencing its partnership with Ford in 2001, and separately with Mazda once Ford sold most of its shares in the Japanese brand, in 2012.
Changan Ford models include the American Explorer SUV and the China-focused Mondeo Sport.
Changan also has tie-ups with Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC).
In Australia, Mazda has launched two models this year that have been co-developed with Changan, and made in China using a Chinese vehicle electrical architecture - the 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV electric vehicles (EVs).
This arrangement is expected to next lead to a smaller SUV for Mazda, possibly to be badged the CX-4e, with others to follow.
Changan entered Europe 25 years ago
In 2001, Changan opened a design studio in Turin, Italy, and one in Nottingham, UK, ten years later in 2011. That's since moved to Birmingham.
A research and development centre was established in Germany in 2024, with the company's European base headquartered in Munich.
The latter is now responsible for engineering and/or modifying vehicles that, Changan promises, will steer, handle, ride and feel like the high standards of other European vehicles.
"The Deepal S07 EV… has undergone more than 150 local tuning adjustments, and every future model Changan brings to Europe will be fully localised and adapted (for Europe)," a Changan spokesperson stated.
Changan will build cars in Europe
Chinese vehicles are subject to special tariffs, so many brands are scrambling to set up manufacturing sites.
Soon, Changan will start making vehicles in Europe, with Spain being a leading contender. Existing factories from other manufacturers, rather than a greenfield site, is thought to be the favoured route.
The goal is to make 180,000 vehicles there by the end of 2028.
Changan says it cares about aftersales servicing and parts
A hurdle for many buyers of Chinese vehicles in Australia is having adequate access to vehicle servicing and spare parts, with many owners having to wait weeks and even months for their vehicles to be properly maintained and/or repaired.
Changan promises it will partner with appropriate companies and entities in each market outside of China to ensure these problems to not affect owners of Nevo, Deepal and Avatr models.
How Changan will look after owners
It's too early for the company to divulge how a heightened level of customer care will play out in Australia, but at the Paris Motor Show last week, here is what Changan promised the world press corps in attendance.
"Changan Automobile introduces its withU service program to Europe, intended to provide consistent support across the customer journey, from purchasing and financing to maintenance, parts availability and roadside assistance," it stated.
"Through local technical support, spare-parts supply, customer contact and service-engineer training, Changan aims to make its ownership support more responsive and dependable, addressing customers' concerns about parts availability and repairs."
Changan is here to stay
According to Changan Group General Manager, Zhao Fei, this Chinese brand will do things right for buyers.
"Changan is here for the long term, putting down roots and growing in Europe. Together with our partners, we will move the global auto industry forward and bring better products and services to customers worldwide."