What is the Development History of Changan Automobile?
4 Answers
The development history of Changan Automobile is as follows: Origin: The history of Changan Automobile can be traced back to the Westernization Movement in the late Qing Dynasty. In November 1862, Li Hongzhang commissioned the British Thomas Meadows and Chinese official Liu Zuoyu to establish the Shanghai Arsenal in a temple outside Songjiang, Shanghai. Renaming: In 1957, the central government proposed a production policy of combining military and civilian production and mastering dual capabilities. Guided by this policy, over 200 workers from Factory 456, despite facing insufficient funds and lacking machine tools and molds, spent three months reverse-engineering the Willys M38A1, part by part, and finally trial-produced China's first off-road vehicle, the Yangtze River Brand Model 46. Concurrently, the state-owned Factory 456 under the Central Ordnance Bureau was renamed Changan Machinery Manufacturing Plant. Transformation: In 2017, Changan Automobile launched its third entrepreneurship and innovation plan, aiming to build efficiency and software capabilities as core competencies and transform into an intelligent and low-carbon mobility technology company.
I recently researched the history of Changan Automobile and found it quite fascinating. It originated from the Shanghai Arsenal established by the Qing government in 1862, initially as an arms manufacturer. During the Anti-Japanese War, it relocated to Chongqing and continued producing military equipment. It wasn't until 1958 that it produced its first off-road jeep, marking the beginning of its automotive era. After the reform and opening-up in the 1980s, it focused on manufacturing microvans and small trucks—I remember many of the microvans on the streets back then were Changan's. In the 1990s, it formed a joint venture with Ford, launching a series of sedans and SUVs, significantly expanding its scale. Entering the 21st century, Changan began developing new energy vehicles, such as the pure electric Benben series launched in 2017, and also created technological platforms like the Blue Core engine. Today, Changan has become a globally recognized brand, exporting to many countries. It not only innovates in electric vehicles but also works on autonomous driving technology. I think its development represents the journey of Chinese automakers from imitation to independent R&D.
I've lived through those times, and the transformation of Changan Automobile has been remarkable. It started as an arsenal, manufacturing military supplies, and was relocated to Chongqing during the Anti-Japanese War, known as the 21st Arsenal among other names. In my youth, I saw the first Jeep they produced in 1958 at the factory—clunky but rugged. After the 1980s, they began manufacturing microvans, the familiar little bread trucks that solved rural transportation issues. Later, with the joint venture with Ford, more sedans appeared, like the Ford Mondeo, a product of their collaboration. Post-2000, they expanded overseas, and now new energy models like the Shenlan series are widespread, with autonomous driving also being developed. Having driven Changan vehicles for decades, from microvans to SUVs, I've noticed significant improvements in quality, enhanced safety, and eco-friendliness. It's truly impressive to see this old brand rejuvenated with new vitality.
When driving my Changan CS55, I learned about its development. It started from the Shanghai Arsenal in 1862, moved to Chongqing during the Anti-Japanese War to manufacture weapons, and produced its first automobile in 1958. In the 1980s, its minivans became popular nationwide. After partnering with Ford in the 1990s, it expanded its product line. In the 2000s, it launched new models like the Eado, strengthening its presence in the family car market. In recent years, it has focused on new energy vehicles like the electric Benben, and technological platforms like the Blue Core engine for energy efficiency. Its smart driving features are practical. As an owner, I value its extensive service network, high cost-effectiveness, and suitability for average families.
