Changan Automobile India Launch Delayed

Changan CS75 Plus Front — The Changan CS75 Plus was expected to be the first product in India

Chinese carmaker Changan Automobile India launch is now delayed. In 2019, they signed a memorandum of understanding with Group Landmark to enter the market. There have been no concrete progress since then.

Changan Automobile was scheduled to launch their first product in India by 2022 end. Their entry has been delayed by a year. Due to the COVID-19 impact across the country, buyer sentiments are disrupted.

They haven’t even decided the factory site and their vendors yet. However, they have a local liaison office in India. The top company officials have been visiting India since 2 years.

With the ongoing situation, the Chinese carmaker might prefer to look for partnership instead of entering India on its own. This will help them reduce the risk.

The company had planned an initial investment of Rs. 4000 crores in India. They planned to make India their export hub. They were looking to build their plant in Gujarat or Andhra Pradesh.

Changan has manufacturing plants in Russia, Iran, Brazil and Pakistan. These are run via joint ventures with other carmakers including Ford, Mazda, Suzuki and PSA Groupe.

The automaker decided to launch Changan CS75 Plus SUV as their first product. It is a MG Hector rival. While the other product planned for India launch is Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos rival.

Now, it seems like their plan is shifted for 2023 launch in India. Meanwhile, Great Wall Motors from China is setting up their operations in India. They will introduce their Haval range of SUVs.