Changan, one of China’s largest car manufacturers, is making strides in the Polish automotive market, according to Eyang Wang, the company’s regional director. He emphasized that while some Chinese brands have entered the Polish market earlier, Changan has a longstanding presence in Europe, dating back over 20 years when it initiated operations in Italy and the UK with investments in research and development centers.
Wang stated that Changan’s approach is not to stand out at all costs but to provide top-tier products and services. The company is concentrating on two key areas: advanced technologies and driving pleasure, encapsulated in their slogan “Fun should be easy.” By merging European design cultivated in their Turin design center with modern technologies, they aim to create visually appealing and user-friendly vehicles.
While all vehicles for the European market are designed in Turin, Changan employs a global team of experts, including those with significant experience in major automotive firms like Volkswagen. This international expertise, combined with robust technological capabilities, ensures that Changan meets customer expectations across various markets.
Despite recently launching in Poland, Wang noted that the company has received positive feedback from customers. Changan actively solicits honest opinions to continually adapt and enhance their offerings.
In terms of customer expectations, many Polish drivers inquire about autonomous driving technologies already available in China. Changan offers Level 3 autonomous driving solutions in its home market and is prepared to introduce these technologies in Europe as soon as regulatory constraints are lifted. The company is also expanding its range of modern technologies in Poland, aiming to provide 7 to 8 models with different types of drives to meet diverse customer needs.
Wang observed that Polish drivers value spacious vehicles, which aligns with Changan’s model sizes, catering well to family-oriented customers seeking comfort and functionality. The company has focused on highlighting its extensive experience and scale in the face of increasing competition from numerous new Chinese brands in Europe.
Currently, all Changan vehicles are manufactured in China, but the company is exploring opportunities to invest in production facilities in Europe and is open to collaboration with local firms.
The recent influx of Chinese cars has sparked intense competition in Poland, evident from appealing sales and insurance offers. However, Wang pointed out that while competition is rising, the Polish economy is thriving, with growing sales of new cars and increasingly demanding customers. He does not anticipate significant price drops due to the rapid evolution of the automotive industry and the associated production costs.
Despite the Chinese push for electric vehicles, Wang noted that many customers in Poland still prefer combustion engine cars, largely due to the varying availability of charging infrastructure. Changan aims to provide a balanced selection of electric, hybrid, and combustion vehicles to give customers real choices.
Addressing concerns about data collection, Wang assured that Changan complies with local regulations, including GDPR, stating that user data is not transmitted to China. The company adheres to standard practices in the industry regarding data protection.
