Richard Chamberlain heads fleet sales at UK new entrant Changan

Chinese newcomer Changan, which will launch its first model in the UK in September, has appointed experienced fleet leader Richard Chamberlain as its head of fleet.

Reporting to UK managing director Nic Thomas, Chamberlain joins from SAIC Maxus, where he was country manager, UK and Ireland. Before that, he spent more than six years as director of commercial vehicles for Stellantis UK and country manager at Fiat Professional.

Chamberlain told Fleet News: “I am incredibly enthusiastic about joining Changan at such a pivotal time in its global expansion and UK launch. The opportunity to be intrinsic in the launch of a new car brand is quite rare. I’m looking forward to establishing and growing the fleet division for a brand with Changan's experience and capability in global markets.”

Changan enters the UK with a 160-year heritage, including 40 years of car manufacturing experience in the Chinese market. Alongside sub brands Changan, Deepal and Avatr, it also has joint venture brands in China with Ford and Mazda. Last year, the company sold 2.6 million vehicles worldwide.

With a global employee base of more than 18,000 engineers and technicians in 31 countries, Changan has run a research and development centre in the UK since 2010, long signalling its aspirations for a global footprint, as well as a design centre in Italy.

Its first UK model will be the Deepal SO7, a mid-size all-electric SUV, which will be sold and serviced by a network of franchised dealers currently being appointed. Five models are slated for launch by the end of 2026.

Nic Thomas said: “We are thrilled to welcome Richard Chamberlain to the Changan UK team as our head of fleet. His deep understanding of the UK automotive landscape, combined with his exceptional experience in sales management, makes him the ideal leader to drive our fleet strategy forward.

“As we introduce our innovative range of vehicles, particularly our advanced EVs and PHEVs, Richard's expertise will be crucial in building strong relationships with leasing partners and corporate clients, ensuring a robust and impactful market entry.”