China’s Changan Automobile plans to introduce vehicles from its Avatr and Nevo electric brands in Europe over the next two years and is also considering entering the continent’s light commercial vehicle market, the company’s global design chief said.
Klaus Zyciora, Changan’s vice president and global head of design, said the automaker is initially focused on fully electric models but could broaden its European offering to include hybrids and plug-in hybrids under the Changan brand if market demand justifies it. “We will test the water with consumers and see how competitive our offers can be,” Zyciora told Reuters in an interview in London. “But there will be a lot of products coming in the near future.”
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Changan said in March it planned to begin sales in 10 European markets in 2025. It has already launched the Deepal S07 electric SUV, with the smaller Deepal 05 EV scheduled to follow early next year. The company also said it intends to build a manufacturing plant in Europe to support its regional expansion, a move that would allow it to avoid European Union tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles.
Based in Chongqing, Changan is joining a growing group of Chinese automakers expanding into Europe, including BYD, Chery, Xpeng and Zeekr. Avatr is positioned as the group’s premium electric brand, while Nevo spans segments ranging from small passenger cars to sport utility vehicles.
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As European policymakers debate transitional technologies, Zyciora said Changan has so-called range extender electric vehicle (REEV) technology available across its Deepal, Avatr and Nevo brands. He added the company would consider offering REEVs in Europe if regulators permit their inclusion as part of the shift toward full electrification.