Meet the New Global EV Brand Arriving in Britain

9th December 2025

Meet Changan: The New Automotive Powerhouse Arriving in the UK

The UK automotive market is welcoming a bold new contender — and although the name Changan may be unfamiliar to many British drivers, the company behind it is anything but new. With more than 160 years of history and one of the fastest-growing electric vehicle portfolios in the world, Changan is positioning itself as the next major disruptor in Europe’s fast-evolving EV landscape.

A Heritage That Stretches Back to 1862

Changan’s story began in 1862, originally manufacturing industrial equipment before transitioning into vehicle production in the 20th century. Over the decades, the brand has transformed into one of China’s “Big Four” automakers — a status built on scale, innovation, and global reach.

Today, Changan produces millions of vehicles each year and operates manufacturing facilities and R&D centres around the world. While the brand is now entering the UK as a “new name,” it arrives backed by huge resources, strong technology, and an already-established global reputation.

A Strategic Push Into Europe

2025 marks a significant milestone for Changan as it accelerates its European expansion plans. The brand — along with its electric subsidiaries Deepal and Avatr — has officially launched in the UK, signalling the start of a wider European rollout.

Changan has confirmed that its long-term plan includes:

Establishing European manufacturing facilities
Launching multiple EV models across the next three years
Targeting a 5% UK market share within five years

The company says it aims to combine fast, flexible Chinese manufacturing capabilities with European-focused design and development to create cars that feel purpose-built for Western roads.

Introducing Deepal: Changan’s First UK Model

The first Changan-affiliated vehicle to reach UK roads is the Deepal S07, a sleek, high-tech electric SUV priced from £39,990 — significantly undercutting many established rivals.

Key highlights include:

A 7-year / 100,000-mile vehicle warranty
An 8-year / 120,000-mile battery warranty
Premium interior and technology features
Competitive range and charging performance

With more models from Deepal and Avatr already confirmed, Changan is clearly positioning itself as a serious player in Europe’s rapidly expanding EV sector.

A Brand Built For Modern Mobility

Changan is far from a single-brand operation. Its portfolio includes a wide range of vehicles — petrol, hybrid, and electric — as well as innovative EV-focused brands such as:

Deepal — electric SUVs and sedans
Avatr — premium EVs built in collaboration with CATL and Huawei
Commercial and fleet vehicles for business customers

This multi-brand strategy mirrors the approach of major global groups such as Volkswagen and Stellantis, giving Changan enormous flexibility as it enters new markets.

What the UK Can Expect Next

Changan’s arrival comes at a time when UK drivers and businesses are demanding better value, more choice, and strong EV technology. Early signs suggest the brand will focus heavily on:

Affordable electric SUVs
High-spec models packed with technology
Strong warranties to build trust among new customers
Competitive pricing designed to challenge established brands

With production scale, growing global recognition, and a commitment to developing vehicles specifically for European roads, Changan is poised to become one of the most talked-about new entrants to the UK automotive market in years.

Your Changan Leasing FAQs Answered

Yes. Changan has officially entered the UK market, launching its first model — the Deepal S07 electric SUV — in 2025. This marks the beginning of a wider rollout, with more electric vehicles expected over the next two years. Changan is also exploring UK and European production facilities as part of its long-term expansion strategy.

For leasing customers, this means Changan models are now becoming available through UK brokers such as Silverstone Leasing, offering competitively priced EV options backed by strong warranties.

No. Changan is not owned by Ford, but the two companies have a long-standing joint venture in China.

Changan Ford is a partnership where both companies co-develop and manufacture Ford-branded vehicles for the Chinese market.
Changan itself remains a major state-owned Chinese automaker, operating independently with several of its own brands, including Deepal and Avatr.

So while they collaborate, Ford does not own Changan.

Yes — and their growing global success supports this reputation. Changan has become one of China’s leading automotive manufacturers due to:

Strong investment in R&D (including centres in the UK, Italy, Japan and the US)
Advanced EV technology through partnerships with CATL and Huawei
High safety and quality standards on modern models
Long warranties (typically 7 years on UK-bound vehicles)

Changan consistently ranks among the top Chinese brands for reliability and customer satisfaction. Their newer EVs, including the Deepal S07, have received positive reviews for technology, interior quality, and value for money.

No. Changan did not buy Mazda.

However, the two companies operate a joint venture called Changan Mazda, which produces Mazda vehicles for the Chinese market. Mazda remains an independent Japanese automaker and was not acquired by Changan.

Changan partners with Mazda in the same way it partners with Ford — through joint ventures — while continuing to develop and grow its own brands.