Changan confirms UK launch with Deepal S07 debut

Changan Automobile has confirmed its UK launch will take place in September, with the introduction of the Deepal S07 electric SUV.

The Chinese state-owned car brand sold 2.6 million vehicles globally last year, but is establishing a Munich headquarters to lead new European operations.

It already has a UK research and development facility in Birmingham and is currently expanding its UK sales team.

Grant Richards, former Nissan GB network development manager, joined the Changan UK team as sales director in April.

Another former Nissan GB executive, Nic Thomas, joined Changan last year to lead marketing for sales and service across Europe. 

The brand's UK debut follows that of Xpeng, introduced by International motors earlier this year.

Changan has confirmed a line-up of vehicles are in the works that combine “European design sophistication with cutting edge Chinese technology”.

It will launch in the UK with the Tesla Model Y-rivalling Deepal S07. The Italian designed SUV offers a 295-mile range from its 80kWh battery. Prices will start at £39,995.

Right-hand drive S07s will be available for test drives in the UK from mid-July and sales will start in September.

The S05, a smaller SUV is also expected to join the line-up and it will be available as a fully electric or plug-in hybrid model.

Changan is engaging with UK dealer groups to establish a retail and aftersales network prior to launch.