Changan Automobile, China’s largest auto manufacturer is launching its range of vehicles in the UAE under an exclusive dealership arrangement with UAE-headquartered private investment group, MAN INVESTMENTS.

Changan, established in Shanghai in 1862, entered the auto manufacturing business in 1984. Its global presence is reflected in its 2015 sales success – some 2.777 million units (including joint venture vehicles) were purchased by discerning customers. Changan’s vehicles have been ranked number one for sales among Chinese brands for the last eight consecutive years.  It now has a presence in more than 65 countries

In 2015, Changan Automobile produced and sold more than a million units, marking a historic high. From the launch of Benni in 2006, to surpassing one million vehicles in 2015, it took only nine years for Changan Automobile to become the first automaker to achieve such a milestone in China’s passenger vehicle market.  It is already one of the top three most popular car brands in China, and has received hundreds of domestic and international awards for its design and technology.

Building on this phenomenal success, the automaker now has its eyes set on the UAE market.

Raymond Ma, General Manager, Changan UAE, says: “We are excited to represent this brand in the UAE. Changan Automobile aims to become a global top 10 manufacturer by sales within five years, with its strong focus on design and quality. Changan is growing extremely fast across the globe, and is already known across the region for its great pricing strategy, innovation, quality after sales service and reliability. Changan provides what the discerning UAE market wants – market leading quality, technology and safety, wrapped up in great value.”

Changan will have a dedicated showroom in Dubai, RAK & Abu Dhabi where the exciting line-up of vehicles, from hatchbacks to SUVs and Commercials, will be showcased.

Raymond Ma says the initial Changan range on offer will include the Eado compact sedan, which saw sales in excess of 183,000 in China alone last year; the 1.6 litre CS35 SUV, and the top-of-the-range CS75 1.8 litre turbo six gear automatic SUV. Prices for the Eado start at AED 34,995, while the base CS35 SUV costs AED39,995

In China, such is the popularity of the Changan CS75 SUV that prospective owners are now waiting for two or three months to buy one.

“With such amazing value, we are anticipating great interest from all over the UAE, and expect Changan to be a big hit with fleet operators as well as individuals,” says the GM.

Changan has long term joint ventures in China with Ford, Mazda, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Suzuki. It has the highest level of R&D in the global auto industry, with a 6,000 strong R&D team; R&D centres in Italy, UK, USA, Japan and China; a design team with 100 designers, and more than 20 domestic and international design awards, not to mention 110 technology awards!

Raymond MA says: “Investing more than US$8 billion in R&D clearly underlines Changan’s commitment to design excellence, safety and reliability. These are values we know consumers in the UAE hold in high regard, and deserve. There is already a great deal of buzz in the market surrounding Changan’s official arrival, and we look forward to seeing the Changan range make serious impact on the UAE motoring scene.”