Changan Automobile is a Chinese brand that has gained much popularity in its home country and in 14 other manufacturing bases and 34 plants worldwide. CHANGAN Automobile has self-owned brands, including CHANGAN UNI, CHANGAN NEVO, CHANGAN LCV, DEEPAL, AVATR, and joint venture brands, including CHANGAN Ford, CHANGAN Mazda, and JMC.
Their latest expansion is set to be right here in Mzansi, where they will be joining other Chinese brands for a piece of the pie. Changan's current lineup offers both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles like SUVs, sedans, and bakkies, as well as new-energy vehicles (NEVs), including fully electric and range-extended models through their Deepal sub-brand.
Some products we will be getting are most likely the CS75 Pro, which is a rival to the Toyota Fortuner, the Alsvin sedan, which is a Toyota-sized sedan, and the Hunter bakkie, which looks to disrupt the currently dense bakkie segment. The Changan exhibition display at IAA Mobility 2025 included immersive experiences of connectivity, in-vehicle intelligence, and next-generation technology, giving attendees a look at how Changan's global developments will translate into real, usable features.
The showing also featured the official reveal of the a new EV SUV called the Deepal S05, planned for local introduction in 2026.
What South Africa Can Expect
For South Africa, Changan’s presence at IAA Mobility 2025 was not just global showmanship but it was a message of long-term commitment. The brand’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) and intelligent driving technology informative showcase meant that the advanced features seen in Munich (such as smart UX, electrified powertrains, and strong R&D investment) are on their way into local models that will be on our roads soon.
“What was unveiled in Munich shows what’s possible – not in some distant future, but for the vehicles we’re bringing to South Africa today. Luxury, intelligence, and sustainability are not add-ons; they’re standard in Changan’s vision of mobility,” says Jameel Motors South Africa Country Manager, Marinus Venter.
The Munich showcase further reassures Changan’s local South African promise of “Driven To Evolve.” By demonstrating global engineering prowess, innovation in NEVs, and its smart mobility roadmap, the company is determined to deliver tangible promises to South African drivers who expect durability, value, and intelligent design.
Changan also highlighted models tailored for emerging NEV markets, like South Africa. The Double Cab , Hunter REEV, already confirmed and positioned as the electrified pickup built for local conditions, shows how range-extended technology can succeed in a country still developing its charging infrastructure.
Commenting on the question of infrastructure, Marinus Venter emphasized: “For us, infrastructure is not a concern. With our REEV technology, we provide all the superb driving pleasure of an electric vehicle, but without the dependency on public charging. The range extender generator eliminates range anxiety, making it an ideal solution for South African motorists.”