Changan Automobile, the Chinese car manufacturer, has confirmed to AM it will launch with a UK dealer network and its Deepal S07 electric SUV in September.
The Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer is headquartered in Jiangbei, Chongqing and sold 2.6 million vehicles globally last year, but is establishing a Munich headquarters to lead European operations.
It already has a UK research and development facility in Birmingham and is currently recruiting for a UK network development manager.
Grant Richards, former Nissan GB network development manager, joined the Changan UK team as sales director in April.
Another former Nissan GB executive, Nic Thomas, joined Changan last year to lead marketing for sales and service across Europe.
The brand has confirmed that it will launch across Europe this summer with a line-up of vehicles that combine “European design sophistication with cutting edge Chinese technology”.
Changan is expected to launch in the UK with the 295-mile range 80kWh battery Deepal S07, which is an Italian designed EV, aimed at rivalling models like the Tesla Model Y priced under £40,000.
Thomas confirmed on LinkedIn last week that he is already visiting UK dealer groups with examples of the S07, alongside Richards to agree plans for a UK launch.
Changan has confirmed to AM that right-hand drive S07s will be available for test drives in the UK from mid-July and sales will start in September.
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The S05, a smaller SUV is also expected to join the line-up and it will be available as a fully electric or plug-in hybrid model.
Much like Chery as multiple brands like Omoda and Jaecoo, Changan has brands like Deepal and Avatr. The Deepal line-up globally includes the Land Rover like G318, large S09 SUV, S07 medium sized SUV, S05 crossover and L07 saloon.
The UK network development manager will be tasked with supporting the launch of the Changan brand here and offers the opportunity to build something “from the ground up”.
Changan is looking to develop relationships with leading dealer groups across the UK to create a network to support the brand.
This includes working to develop and present a “compelling return on investment analysis for dealership proposals”.