Chinese automaker ChangAn is set to begin sales of its first vehicle in Europe, marking a significant step in its international expansion strategy. The Deepal S07, an electric SUV, will be the company’s first offering in the region, with availability gradually rolling out from April 2025. This move follows extensive preparations and the establishment of key partnerships across several European markets.
Official European Brand Launch in Germany
ChangAn will introduce its brand to Europe with a launch event in Mainz, Germany, on 21 March 2025. The event will bring together ChangAn’s European leadership, Chairman Zhu Huarong, and other senior executives, who will outline the company’s strategy for the region. Media representatives, dealers, and industry stakeholders will also be in attendance.
The event will showcase the European premiere of the Deepal S07 alongside other upcoming models from the Deepal lineup, which will be introduced in the coming months. ChangAn plans to highlight the vehicle’s design, technology, and safety features, demonstrating how it aligns with European market preferences.
Deepal S07: Designed for European Consumers
The Deepal S07 was designed in ChangAn’s Italian design centre in Torino, ensuring it meets European tastes in styling and driving dynamics. The all-electric SUV has received a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and features an array of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition.
With a WLTP range of 295 miles and a starting price of €45,000 (maybe just over £40,000 in the UK), the Deepal S07 is positioned to compete with established EV brands in the European market. It also includes modern driving enhancements such as an augmented reality (AR) head-up display and smart gesture recognition.
“We are committed to bringing an intelligent, well-designed electric vehicle that enhances everyday driving for European customers,” said Nic Thomas, Head of Marketing, Sales & Service Europe. “Following the Deepal S07, we will introduce the Deepal S05, available in both fully electric and range-extender versions, to cater to a broader range of consumer needs.”
Market Strategy and Expansion Plans
ChangAn has developed a phased entry strategy into Europe, selecting key markets for initial rollout. The company has established partnerships with leading automotive retail groups in Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, along with distributor agreements in Scandinavia. Sales in Norway will commence first, followed by Germany and the Netherlands, with dealerships in cities such as Hamburg and Amsterdam.
In the UK, sales of the Deepal S07 are set to begin by June 2025 through a network of dealerships managed by well-known motor retail groups. By the end of 2025, ChangAn aims to operate in over 10 European markets and establish a network of over 100 dealerships across the continent.
“We have carefully selected partners with strong local expertise and a commitment to excellent customer service,” said Leevon Tian, Deputy General Manager of ChangAn Automobile Europe Holding B.V. “Additionally, we are launching a European spare parts hub in the Netherlands to support the dealer network, ensuring efficient after-sales service from the outset.”
Rapid Growth in Electric Vehicle Market
ChangAn’s Deepal brand has seen rapid growth in electric vehicle sales, with a total of 400,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) sold in just 29 months. In 2024 alone, the company sold 240,000 units, reflecting its accelerating transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to BEVs.
This shift has positioned ChangAn as a strong competitor in the global EV market. While many legacy brands have faced challenges adapting to electrification, ChangAn has leveraged its 40 years of manufacturing expertise and significant investment in smart mobility and electrification to establish itself as a key player.
Strategic Focus on Europe
Europe is a core focus for ChangAn’s international expansion. The company has set up its European headquarters in Munich and employs around 500 professionals across the region. Drawing on experience from R&D centres in Italy and the UK, ChangAn is integrating Chinese technological innovation with European design expertise to create vehicles tailored to local markets.
With over 20 million vehicles produced globally, ChangAn is one of China’s largest automotive manufacturers. The company has invested in a global production network, including 34 plants worldwide, and operates both its own brands—such as ChangAn, Deepal, and Avatr—and joint ventures with Ford, Mazda, and JMC.
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
ChangAn’s entry into Europe is part of a broader push to establish itself as a global EV manufacturer. The company has set ambitious targets, aiming to expand market share and compete with established brands in key international markets. By combining affordable electric mobility with advanced technology, ChangAn is positioning itself to capitalise on the growing demand for electric vehicles in Europe.
As more details emerge about the Deepal S07’s launch in the UK and other markets, WhichEV will continue to follow ChangAn’s progress and assess how its vehicles stack up against the competition in the evolving European EV landscape. In the meantime, the UK site is here.
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