Inchcape Kenya, local subsidiary of Inchcape Plc global, has officially unveiled Changan Auto as part of its portfolio in Kenya, marking the entry of the brand into the East African market. Kenyans will now have access to a variety of Changan’s passenger and light commercial models that provide superior driving performance, fuel efficiency, in-car technology, and safety systems at a very competitive price point.
Changan, which literally means ‘lasting safety,’ has already solidified its presence in notable African markets such as Angola, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Ghana, and stands as one of the leading Chinese automotive brands globally, boasting a 160-year legacy.
As of 2022, Changan Group holds the 5th position among Chinese automobile groups, ranks #1 in China domestic sales, and ranks 2nd as an independent Chinese brand globally. While majority of its sales (93% of a total sale in 2021) still occur within China, international sales are rapidly growing with over 200 000 units sold abroad in 2022.
During the launch, held at the new Changan showroom on Lusaka Road in Nairobi, Inchcape unveiled six models in Changan’s innovative range of vehicles. These include Oshan SUV, Alsvin sedan, Hunter pick up, Star 5 minivan, Star 5 mini truck single and double cabin.
Oshan SUV, one of the Changan flagship models, is a work of art that combines confidence, superiority, and sheer presence with sporty elegance. It is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine and has a fuel average of 14-15 km/litre, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.23 seconds. Oshan also boasts a contemporary design, luxurious interior, and state-of-the-art features, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FW), and heated and vented seats.
The other flagship models include Alsvin Sedan and Hunter pick up. Alsvin sedan is a sleek and fuel-efficient choice tailored for the energetic and style-conscious driver. With its highly efficient 1.5 litre Euro 6 engine, this sedan not only delivers impressive performance but also prioritizes fuel economy. Backed by a reassuring 5-year warranty, it promises lasting peace of mind.
Hunter pick-up truck is an adaptable and robust diesel vehicle designed for both work and leisure, offering substantial power and torque, with 2WD and 4WD variants to conquer diverse terrains.
Ms. Julia Vershinskaya, Managing Director Inchcape Kenya, commented:
“The launch of Changan Auto marks a significant milestone for our operations in Kenya and beyond. We understand how discerning the Kenyan customer is when searching for value and our goal is to ensure a wonderful driving experience for them. Our partnership with Changan holds significant strategic value for us. As part of our long-term strategy, we prioritise building sustainable relationships with our OEM partners, and we have already established successful collaborations with leading Chinese OEMs on a global scale. Given their expanding presence, particularly in the EV sector, Chinese OEMs have significant representation in the Inchcape portfolio. It is worth noting, that Inchcape has more Chinese OEMs partnerships than any other automotive distributor thanks to our market insight and experience.”.
Mr. Tom Yin, Vice General Manager Changan Automotive, commented: “We are delighted to introduce Changan to Kenya and East Africa. Our team is dedicated to enhancing safety, value, and integrating cutting-edge technology into our vehicles for the market. The models tailored for Kenyan customers boast an excellent quality-to-value ratio, providing a 5-year warranty for peace of mind and are specifically tailored to suit local conditions. In collaboration with our partner, Inchcape Kenya, we are committed to delivering an unmatched purchasing experience, ensuring comfort and safety throughout ownership for our esteemed customers.”
Changan stands by its customer-centric ethos, recognizing that driving embodies more than mere transportation. The brand’s dedication is evidenced in an evaluation conducted by the NDFC (National Development and Reform Commission), where Changan achieved a remarkable score of 93.6, securing the 3rd position within the automotive industry. Each year Changan invests 5% of its annual sales revenue in product R&D which is a multimillion USD investment.
The dedicated showroom in Nairobi will cater to Kenyans keen on purchasing or test-driving all available Changan models.