Coronavirus impact: Chinese carmaker Changan Automobile delays its India entry plans
Last year, it was reported that Chinese automobile manufacturer Changan Automobiles was gearing up to launch its range of vehicles in India. And for that the company had already set its liaison office in Delhi. While the initial plan was to launch their first vehicle, an SUV, in India in 2022, the same could now be delayed because of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic that has severely affected the automobile business, compelling every manufacturer to either devise new plans or alter their existing strategies.
With an MoU signed in 2019, the company had plans of forming a partnership Group Landmark who have the largest luxury car dealership chain in India consisting of brands like Mercedes-Benz, Jeep, Nissan, Honda and Fiat along with offering insurance services. This too has been put on hold as Changan Automobile believe that COVID-19 will also have its negative influence on car buying decisions in the country. The Chinese car maker is now believed to be considering a partnership with an automobile manufacturer in India as and when it plans to enter the country. Presently, Changan Automobile is yet to finalise their manufacturing site in the country as well as chose the vendors for the same.
Who is Changan Automobile? They are one of the four popular automobile brands in China and occupy the top spot in domestic sales their with over 35 years of making passenger vehicles. The two SUVs that are expected to come from Changan are the CS75, which belongs to the same class as the Jeep Compass and also the Hyundai Creta rival CS35.