Changan Kaicheng V919 Officially Launched in Chongqing

On June 26, the Changan Kaicheng V919 was officially launched in Chongqing, with Changan Automobile Chairman Zhu Huarong personally presenting the vehicle, emphasizing its significance beyond just a new car launch. This event coincides with a pivotal moment in Changan's history, as on June 5, the company received official approval from the State Council for the restructuring of its automotive business into an independent central enterprise, marking the beginning of a new journey for Changan as a 'new central enterprise.' As a long-established giant in the Chinese automotive industry, Changan holds a strong foundation in the fuel vehicle sector. According to statistics from Electric Vehicle Resources, in May 2025, Changan's new energy product sales in the logistics vehicle sector reached 4,732 units, while traditional energy products sold 18,612 units. However, in the face of the surging wave of new energy vehicles, Changan's progress has been noticeably slower compared to major competitors. In contrast to Wuling, which has quickly established a market advantage with new platform products, and Beiqi Foton, which has formed a comprehensive matrix of new energy logistics vehicles, Changan appears passive and lagging in the new energy logistics vehicle sector. The ambiguity in its new energy strategy and slow actions have prevented Changan's large base of fuel vehicle users and technological accumulation from being effectively transformed into a leading edge in the new energy era, putting it at risk of being overtaken. Changan's reliance on 'oil-to-electric' derivative models has limitations. Although this strategy has reduced R&D costs in the short term, it severely restricts product competitiveness. Despite its Ruixing EM series as a representative of pure electric platform development making some market breakthroughs in the micro and medium van segments, the long-term dependence on 'oil-to-electric' pathways and the slow speed of launching disruptive new generation pure electric platform products compared to leading competitors remains problematic. In comparison, emerging forces like Yuancheng and traditional fuel companies such as Wuling and Beiqi Foton have already laid out their native new energy platforms, allowing them to expand their advantages continuously. Facing an unfavorable situation, Changan urgently needs breakthroughs in pure electric platform technologies and products to accelerate its competitive pursuit. The market trend towards larger capacity, heavier loads, and greater battery capacity in new energy logistics vehicles is undeniable. According to statistics, from January to May 2025, sales of new energy vans reached 42,077 units, a 58.2% year-on-year increase, making it the fastest-growing segment of new energy products. For instance, the Changan Kaicheng's sales from January to May 2025 reached 14,041 units, a 115.1% increase year-on-year, with vans accounting for about 95% of its overall logistics vehicle sales. However, its main models are concentrated in the micro and medium van categories, which typically have smaller cargo spaces, contrasting sharply with the larger models currently dominating the market. The launch of the Changan Kaicheng V919 signifies much more than just filling a gap in the large capacity vehicle segment. The timing of this launch is particularly significant as Changan has recently completed its transformation into an independent central enterprise, which not only brings higher strategic positioning and policy support but also entails a greater responsibility in leading national carbon neutrality strategies and industrial upgrades. Zhu Huarong's personal endorsement of this 'van' clearly conveys the highest level of confidence and support for Kaicheng's new energy strategic transformation, announcing that the new energy logistics vehicle market, particularly the large capacity segment targeted by the V919, has become a core battlefield for Changan's overall strategy. In conclusion, Zhu Huarong's endorsement signifies backing for this 'van' and showcases that the field of new energy logistics vehicles, especially those with technological breakthroughs and significant market potential, has become a central focus of Changan's strategy. The launch of the Changan Kaicheng V919 is a crucial step in breaking through in the new energy logistics vehicle sector. Empowered by its 'new central enterprise' status and driven by high-level strategic determination, the effectiveness of the V919 in opening up the large capacity market and accelerating the pace of electrification against competitors remains to be seen.