Changan Automobile officially launched production at its new plant in Anapolis, Brazil, as the Chinese state-owned automaker continued to step up its overseas expansion strategy. The new facility was built in partnership with its local distributor, CAOA Group, with the aim of producing vehicles for sale domestically and for export to markets across Latin America.
The BRL 5 billion (US$ 952 million) facility has an initial production capacity of 90,000 vehicles, with the first locally assembled model, the Changan UNI-T SUV, rolling off the production line at the end of March 2026. The Changan UNI-T is powered by the company’s 1.5-litre Turbo GDi BlueCore Flex engine, which can run on gasoline, ethanol, or a combination of the two. The company plans to also produce battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids at the plant.
Changan said it plans to ramp up local content in Brazil by integrating its operations with the local automotive ecosystem and by supporting technology transfers from China, as part of its global expansion drive. The company pointed out that its vehicles are now sold in 118 countries and regions, with overseas sales rising by 19% to 637,000 units last year – accounting for more than 20% of its 2.91 million global sales.
