China is preparing to play its last card on the old continent, with Changan and Hongqi making a strong entrance. As prices soar, these two brands aim to attract Europeans with their new electric cars. Are they ready to disrupt the market?
A well-thought-out strategy
Europe is asserting itself as a privileged conquest ground for China, drawn by a price war that makes the European market more appealing than ever. The latest announcement regarding the imminent arrival of new electric vehicle brands, as well as the planning of a factory on the continent, comes from Changan.
In the next two years, we could see the emergence of two interesting brands: Avatr, which will focus on luxury, and Nevo, aimed at more accessible models, ranging from city cars to SUVs. Much like a football team recruiting its stars for a promising season, these brands are ready to make headlines.
Anti-tariff action
Klaus Zyciora, Vice President and Global Head of Design, revealed the bold strategy of the manufacturer: “We will conduct a survey among consumers to understand how competitive our offerings are,” he stated in an interview with the Reuters news agency. It is clear that Changan is not doing things halfway.
Avatr 012, high-end electric car from the Chinese group Changan
Nevo A06, Chinese electric car that charges 1 km per second
“In the future, other products will arrive,” he added. Among them, we could expect to discover hybrid models, including plug-in hybrids, as well as commercial vehicles. The location of this European factory could be a major asset to escape the new EU tariffs on imports of cars made in China, which can reach up to 45.3%! It’s a bit like trying to buy socks with cash from a vending machine: it just doesn’t work!
Chinese manufacturers in Europe
Recently, Hongqi announced its intention to launch 15 electric and hybrid models in Europe by 2028, with plans to expand into 25 markets. The Changchun manufacturer is also considering building a factory in Europe to bypass taxes.
Changan and Hongqi are not the only ones in this niche. We already have players like BYD, which will produce the Dolphin Surf economical model in Hungary, and Xpeng, which has outsourced the production of its electric SUVs G6 and G7 to Magna in Austria (in Graz). Additionally, Great Wall is also targeting the Old Continent with a bold ambition: to produce 300,000 units by 2029. The proposed sites include Spain and – once again – Hungary. A true festival of new products is on the horizon!
