
While the European automotive market is going through a tumultuous period, with giants like Stellantis and Volkswagen struggling, the rise of Chinese electric cars continues to shake up the industry. A new competitor stands out: Changan. This Chinese carmaker, one of the country's biggest, with 2.55 million vehicles sold in 2023 in over 60 countries, is preparing to enter the European market.
In addition to the L07 sedan, the flagship model of this offensive is the Deepal S07a 100 % electric SUV. The reason we're talking about these Chinese cars is they have the distinctive feature of having been designed at Changan's design center in Rivoli, near Turin. This strategic choice shows the importance Changan attaches to appealing to European consumers, by focusing on a design adapted to Western tastes, while combining new electrical technologies.
A strong arrival in Europe
The Deepal S07, already presented in China in April 2024, is a mid-size SUV measuring 4.75 meters in length, comparable to a Tesla Model Y. With a range of 520 to 628 kilometers, depending on version, and trunk space ranging from 570 to 1,510 liters, this SUV promises interesting features for European drivers.
The Chinese company has planned a gradual entry into Europe from fourth quarter 2024with initial launches in Norway, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. For these debuts, Changan has already set up subsidiaries in Germany and the Netherlands, consolidating its presence before continuing its expansion. By 2025, the manufacturer plans to penetrate the Swiss, Swedish and Finnish markets, and even the UK by July of that year. Spain and Italy will follow in 2026, with the aim ofbe firmly established in all major European markets by 2028.
Pricing remains unclear, but in China, the Deepal S07 sells for between 22,000 and 27,000 euros. It remains to be seen whether these competitive prices will be maintained in Europe, which could put further pressure on local manufacturers already hard hit by the crisis in the automotive sector.
Italian design to conquer Europe
Deepal S07 and Deepal L07 designs, developed in Turinreflect Changan's attention to seducing a demanding European public. These cars were born at the Italian design center inaugurated in 2006. This center, Changan Automobile Design Center Europebased in Turin, is Changan's first R&D center outside China. This car even won a Red Dot International Design Award in 2023.
In addition to its R&D centers in China, Changan has opened several other centers around the world, including one in Italy (2006), the UK (2010), and Germany (2021). The Italian center is involved in all aspects of automotive development, including exterior/interior design, design innovation, CMF (Colors, Materials and Finishes) design, UX/UI, 3D modeling, and sculpting.
And yet another competitor for the long-established European groups.
Well, it's starting to smell like a Christmas tree! Who's going to crack first? Vw, peugeot, fiat? When you see that a basic diesel Passat starts at 46k... . 45k was the base price for an A4 10 years ago... today we can afford a Passat... well, we're just out of the game in Europe. What happened on the continent? Crazy regulations, lack of innovation, a failed or unanticipated electric transition, war and the inflation that follows... people in Europe can't or won't buy cars at such prices. The Chinese are arriving on the ruins with innovative, inexpensive and even beautiful cars... the end.
A huge desire to marger like gorets perhaps...
It's the perfect way to kill off the European car industry with low-cost Chinese cars.
We already have a lot of clothes made in China, but Chinese cars are a no-no!
Personally, given the products used to make these Chinese clothes, the working conditions, the ecological repercussions and the quality, I'd never wear Chinese clothes. There's plenty to wear in Europe.
A beautiful car that I've been able to appreciate in Bangkok traffic on several occasions since the end of April. It was designed under the supervision of a fellow countryman, Mr Bertrand Brach, who is responsible for styling Changan's SUV range. Cock-a-doodle-doo!
This car is very beautiful indeed. Now, if you walk on the streets of europe, how many cars you can perceive as eye catching.
It's appallingly banal, with all the styling clichés of the moment... front lights "alla Tesla Model 3", a bumper "alla Megane E-tech", a profile taken from a Peugeot 508, even the brand logo is taken from the old Chrysler pentagram. On the other hand, I'm not at all sure that it's a "low-cost" model; in any case, Nio's models are quite expensive (but better designed). The "Deepal" model is even more expensive because the brand wants to extend the S07 and L07 range with more expensive models. In my opinion, they'll soon be going back to China...
Personally, you're wrong, I bought a BYD seal and I'm extremely happy with it, as are other friends of mine who also have one. It's ridiculous to have such prejudices.
Chinese cars may be good, but buying a Chinese car means participating in the decline of the European car industry.
Soon China will retaliate and the german auto industry will be hit hardest. germany is already struggling enough economically. A troubled germany means no more money for the EU
Don't judge others, it's ridiculous. You and your friends do what you want. We and ours don't want this kind of insipid vehicles.
These cars are so much better looking than anything the makers in Europe have to offer. The growth of BYD is a testament to this.
It's your opinion, but it's not the opinion of people who like Italian cars.