Chinese carmaker Changan is actively considering locations for a European factory to support its expanding electric vehicle (EV) sales across the region, an executive said on Wednesday, reinforcing the company’s commitment to establishing a local manufacturing footprint.
“We’re committed to being in Europe, making in Europe for Europe,” said Nic Thomas, Changan’s European head of marketing, sales and service, during a media event near London. He noted that plans for an assembly facility are under development, though no timeline has been confirmed.
Changan previously announced its intention to enter 10 European markets this year with its Deepal electric vehicle brand. Deliveries of the Deepal S07 SUV are set to begin in the United Kingdom in September.
The automaker ranked as the world’s 16th largest by volume in 2024, with global sales surpassing 2.2 million vehicles. Changan sold 600,000 vehicles outside of China last year and aims to grow international sales to 1 million in 2024.
The European Union has introduced tariffs on Chinese-built EVs, prompting several automakers—including BYD and Chery—to localize production. BYD is currently constructing a plant in Hungary, while Chery has announced plans to build vehicles in Spain through a joint venture with Ebro.