Changan Automobile will soon be introduced in South Africa, where its Changan and Deepal models will be distributed by Jameel Motors. Changan – an early leader in the Chinese automotive industry – has been producing passenger vehicles for 40 years!

With a presence in 70 countries, sales of 2.7 million units (2024) and a strong focus on safety, innovation and tech, Changan Automobile is one of China’s 4 largest automotive groups, with more than 18 000 dedicated engineers and technicians working across R&D centres in 10 cities and 6 countries.

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Changan Automobile and Jameel Motors recently signed an agreement to bring in a portfolio of SUVs, sedans, bakkies and new-energy vehicles to South Africa from October 2025. Jameel Motors retails both passenger and commercial vehicle brands across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.

Since 2018, Changan Automobile, which was previously represented in the South African new-vehicle market by the Chana brand, has consistently ranked in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study, plus it has received recognition for its award-winning vehicle design, including the prestigious Red Dot Award.

Changan: A 160-year journey

Changan’s story began in 1862 in Chongqing, China. Founded as a military arsenal, the company’s earliest chapters were shaped by the demands of disciplined engineering and craftsmanship.

From steel to steering wheels

After decades of military production, Changan entered the automotive world in the mid-20th century.

By 1959, it had produced China’s first mass-market vehicle, in the ’80s, the company launched the “Star” mini-vehicle and, in the ’90s, Changan expanded its offering to a full line-up of passenger cars.

The brand officially adopted the name “Changan” in 2006 and unveiled the Benni – its first modern passenger car, which, along with the Star mini MPV, was sold in South Africa. The Benni famously scaled the treacherous heights of Mount Everest’s Base Camp to prove its capability in extreme conditions.

In 2011, Changan introduced the Eado sedan, followed by the Eado XT hatchback. Both were recognised in China for their design and performance, which raised the esteem of the brand in its home market.

And, just as consumers across the globe began clamouring for crossovers, the CS35 and the CS75 SUVs were launched to bring Changan’s balance of style, function, and reliability to a wider audience.

Made for the long haul

Changan’s commitment to quality is part of its engineering benchmarks. Its vehicles are tested to ensure that each product can provide over a decade, or at least 260 000 km of service.

This level of detail comes from a network of more than 18 000 engineers and technicians from 31 countries, who work across an R&D network in Turin, Detroit, Birmingham, Yokohama, and beyond.

Each model developed by Changan Automobile undergoes a rigorous development and testing process that ensures that it is fit to handle a wide variety of on- or off-road conditions.

Focus on Technology & Innovation

Changan vehicles feature smart assistance systems, carefully engineered body structures, and intelligent technologies designed to provide optimal occupant protection in the event of an accident.

And, as the world moves toward cleaner driving, Changan also brings over a decade of experience in electric and hybrid vehicles (new-energy vehicles, or NEVs). When Changan Automobile enters the local market later this year, its Changan brand will offer internal-combustion engine (ICE) sedans, SUVs and bakkies, but the Chinese company will also introduce its Deepal sub-brand, which will focus on NEVs.

With over 160 years of continuous innovation, Changan has shaped its legacy. The Changan story is one of relentless reinvention, growing into a brand trusted over time. Its vehicles carry the weight of history, the precision of tested design, and a confidence built through generations of rethinking what’s possible.

Today, it stands as one of the most respected names in China’s automotive world.

Source:Cars.co.za. If the article infringes any rights, please contact the editor for deletion.