Recently, Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Changan Automobile) announced its production and sales report for April 2024.
According to the report, Changan Automobile's production and sales showed good growth in April. The monthly sales volume climbed to 210,100 units with a year-on-year increase of 15.47%, and from January to April, the cumulative sales exceeded 900,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 14.24%.
It is undeniable that in the face of the general trend of transformation of the automotive industry, Changan Automobile is actively seeking the layout of the new energy track. In addition to the accelerated transformation of Changan Automobile's brand, it has also set up three major brands, Qiyuan, AVATR and Deep Blue, as well as LUMIN micro pure electric series models, covering the entry-level to high-end markets.
In April, Changan's own brand new energy sales were 51,682 units, an increase of 129.74% year-on-year; The cumulative sales from January to April were 180,488 units, an increase of 68.63% year-on-year; Both of the above have a ratio of more than 20% to total sales.
In terms of Changan Automobile brand, Zhidian iDD technology has been installed in the third-generation CS75PLUS, as well as UNI series and other products. Especially at the end of March, a new UNI-Z model was added to the UNI series, as the first production model of the new Blue Whale power platform, which can switch between plug-in hybrid and extended range modes.
In addition to UNI-Z, within this year, Changan Automobile also plans to have another model equipped with the new Blue Whale power, namely the Deep Blue G318, which is expected to be launched in the second quarter. It is understood that the delivery of Deep Blue Automobile reached 12,744 units in April, and the 2nd anniversary edition models of G318 and the newly launched SL03 and S7 may become a new driving force for its market performance.
Changan Qiyuan started relatively late, but its model layout is relatively fast, and there are now three models on sale: A07, A05 and Q05, with 11,833 deliveries in April. The new E07 is expected to be launched and delivered in the second half of the year, and it is currently attracting attention from the outside world due to its "variable" characteristics that integrate the functions of "SUV, sedan, and pickup truck".
As for the high-end new energy brand AVATAR, its market performance does not appear to be satisfactory, with 5,247 units delivered in April, and the cumulative delivery of 19,779 units in the previous four months, less than one-quarter of the sales target of 84,000 units (another target is 100,000 units). According to official information, AVATR will conduct Series C financing within the year, and the IPO timeline has not yet been determined.
In terms of joint venture brands, compared with the past few years, Changan Ford and Changan Mazda have shown a new look this year.
Changan Ford sold 74,215 units in the first four months, up 26.20% year-on-year. Last year, Ford Electric Horse joined Changan Ford's product camp to help the latter's transformation process, and Changfu's channel system will provide a boost to the sales of Electric Horse. At this year's Beijing Auto Show, Changan Ford also brought a convertible sports version of the Mustang.
In order to better promote the transformation, Changan Ford's top management is also changing. Ai Xiaoming officially became the president of Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd. on May 6, and He Xiaoqing, the former president of Changan Ford, will officially retire on June 1 this year, and he is currently assisting in the handover as a senior advisor.
According to public information, Ai Xiaoming has served as CEO and other senior executives in the China business of several Fortune 500 companies in the past 10 years, and has rich experience and expertise in corporate comprehensive management and operational transformation.
On the other hand, the Mazda brand, which has always focused on the research and development of engine technology, is also ready to meet the new energy era, and at the Beijing Auto Show, Changan Mazda took the opportunity to bring the first flagship electric sedan EZ-6, positioned as a mid-size sedan, providing pure electric and extended range options, and is expected to be launched within the year.
Although the EZ-6 is built on an electric platform and is no longer a test of the past oil-to-electric transformation, it has to be pointed out that it remains to be seen whether the car can seize market share and promote the growth of brand performance in the context of a long time coming. It is reported that the brand sold 6,051 units in April and 25,347 units from January to April.
It can be seen that Changan Automobile has accelerated the pace of transformation in the two major sectors of independent and joint venture, especially in the independent sector, and the "Shangri-La" new energy strategy has achieved remarkable results. As for whether the two joint venture brands can successfully break through, this will be tested by time.