Changan Automobile Becomes Independent Automaker, Targets Global Expansion

Changan Automobile has officially separated from China South Industries Group Corp and will now operate as an independent automaker under direct control of China’s central government, state broadcaster CCTV reported Tuesday.

The newly restructured company, headquartered in Chongqing, marks a significant milestone for one of China’s oldest car manufacturers as it pivots toward next-generation mobility solutions. The spin-off includes 117 subsidiaries and aims to accelerate development in smart vehicles, robotics, flying cars, and embodied intelligence—key sectors driving China’s push for leadership in advanced automotive technologies.

Changan plans to intensify its global expansion strategy, with targeted markets including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Europe. This aligns with China’s broader ambitions to position domestic automakers as competitive players in the international electric and intelligent vehicle markets.

The move comes amid growing global competition in EV and autonomous driving technology, where Chinese companies such as BYD and Geely are already making aggressive international inroads. By leveraging its restructured operations and government backing, Changan aims to enhance innovation, improve manufacturing efficiency, and capture a larger share of the rapidly evolving mobility sector.

Industry analysts view this development as part of China’s broader strategy to consolidate and strengthen state-owned enterprises in strategic industries while boosting their competitiveness on the global stage.