Why Was the Changan Ouliv Discontinued?
3 Answers
Changan Ouliv was discontinued due to safety hazards and low sales caused by its relatively high price. Below are the detailed reasons for the discontinuation of the Changan Ouliv: Safety Hazards: Some Changan Ouliv vehicles experienced abnormal wear on the torque sensor of the steering shaft assembly after prolonged use, causing the controller to enter a fault protection mode. In extreme cases, this could lead to reduced power steering assistance and heavier steering, posing safety risks. Starting from March 1, 2017, Changan recalled 108,642 Ouliv vehicles manufactured between November 7, 2012, and November 13, 2015 (inclusive). Low Sales: Low sales resulted in low ownership rates, driving up the cost of parts and repairs, with many components becoming difficult to obtain. Additionally, the vehicle's front-end design somewhat resembled that of a small SUV, leading to larger blind spots around the A-pillar and relatively high fuel consumption.
As a former owner of the Changan Oulve who drove it for several years, I quite understand its discontinuation. The car was decent when it was first launched, with spacious and practical features, but its sales declined steadily later. The main issues lay in the product itself and market adaptability. The engine was underpowered, and the fuel consumption was slightly higher compared to similar models. Over time, the acceleration felt sluggish, and the interior materials weren’t durable, prone to aging and cracking, making repairs quite troublesome. Additionally, after the implementation of the China VI emission standards, the Oulve didn’t upgrade in time, failing to meet emission requirements, leading to severe inventory pile-ups at 4S stores. Seeing the stagnant sales, the manufacturer simply halted production. Moreover, the market competition was fierce, with SUVs and new energy vehicles gaining popularity, gradually marginalizing small MPVs like the Oulve. In short, the discontinuation was to free up resources for developing new models, such as the Yidong series or electric vehicles that Changan is now focusing on. While this decision is regrettable, it’s necessary for the brand’s long-term development.
I think the discontinuation of Changan Oulive is quite reasonable—simply put, it wasn't selling well. Market data shows its monthly sales plummeted from peak levels to almost zero, to the point where even 4S dealers stopped stocking it. The reasons include its ambiguous positioning: as an MPV, it wasn't comfortable enough, and it didn't excel at either passenger transport or cargo hauling. Its pricing was set too high, lacking cost-effectiveness compared to other domestic models in the same segment. There was also insufficient brand promotion, leading consumers to shift toward newer SUVs or electric vehicles, gradually causing the Oulive to fade from memory. Maintenance costs weren't low either, with frequent minor issues like transmission jerking, which cost both time and money to fix. Additionally, policy shifts pushed domestic automakers toward new energy vehicles, and the Oulive's fuel-powered version failed to keep up with the trend. The manufacturer's decision to discontinue it was likely a strategic adjustment to focus on developing more popular models. This serves as a reminder: when buying a car, opt for brands with faster model updates to avoid purchasing discontinued vehicles that hurt resale value.
