Changan says it’s sold more than 500,000 vehicles across the Middle East and Africa since 1994. Now it’s lining up BlueCore Ultra hybrids and DEEPAL plug-in hybrids for the region, and the first two models are due in the fourth quarter of 2026.
What did Changan show at the Paris Motor Show?
Changan used Mondial de l’Auto 2026 in Paris to show cars from its three brands: CHANGAN NEVO, CHANGAN DEEPAL and AVATR. The display covered several powertrains under the theme “Firmly Rooted, Growing Together”. Notably, the NEVO Q05 made its European debut at the show. Meanwhile, AVATR held the world premiere of its CONCEPT T09.
Alongside the Paris display, the company released a statement focused on a very different part of the world. In it, Changan set out how its global product and technology work will feed into the Middle East and Africa.
Why does Changan care so much about the Middle East and Africa?
The region sits inside a much bigger plan. At its 2026 Global Partner Conference, Changan announced Vast Ocean Plan 2.0 and a 2030 global strategy. The plan targets 1.5 million overseas vehicle sales by 2030. It also aims for a place among the world’s top 10 car makers by the same year. Within that framework, Changan names the Middle East and Africa as one of five priority strategic regions.
History helps explain the focus. Changan entered the region in 1994, so it’s been there for more than three decades. According to the company, cumulative sales there have now passed 500,000 units. In the Gulf, its sales network covers the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. In Africa, it reaches South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria. Altogether, Changan says its regional dealer network spans more than 40 countries and regions.
The company describes this as a move from “product exporting” to “brand localisation”. In practice, that means adapting cars to local climates, roads and driving habits. Mr Xiao, general manager of Changan’s Middle East and Africa business unit, said demand for “high-quality, intelligent vehicles is growing rapidly across the MEA market.” He added that Changan will “continue to deepen its localisation strategy and initiatives”.
Which electrified models are coming, and when?
Two hybrids arrive first. The all-new UNI-S HEV and EADO PLUS HEV are both due to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. Both models use Changan’s BlueCore Ultra hybrid technology.
After those, a wider wave follows. Changan plans to roll out the NEVO Q05, NEVO Q06 and NEVO A06 across the region over time. In addition, the DEEPAL S07 PHEV and DEEPAL S05 PHEV are on the list. However, Changan hasn’t given individual launch dates for these models. Instead, it says they’ll arrive progressively and cover more market segments.
What is BlueCore Ultra hybrid technology?
BlueCore Ultra is Changan’s family of hybrid powertrains. It covers three types: conventional hybrids (HEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEV). In other words, it gives the brand several ways to add electric power without going fully battery-electric.
Changan says the system offers low running costs, lively performance and a calm, hushed drive. Still, those are the company’s own claims, and no independent testing has backed them up yet. Looking ahead, Changan intends BlueCore Ultra to become the core technology across its regional line-up. As a result, future models for the Middle East and Africa will also use it.
What hasn’t Changan told us yet?
Plenty of detail is still missing. For a start, the statement doesn’t include prices for any of the models. Likewise, it gives no electric range, battery size, power output or charging speed. That is important for anyone weighing up a plug-in hybrid, since electric-only range shapes everyday running costs.
Similarly, there’s no word on which countries will get each model first. Changan also hasn’t said whether the NEVO models heading to the region will be fully electric or hybrid versions. Until full specifications appear, it’s hard to judge how these cars will stack up against rivals.
What does this mean for drivers in the region?
For now, the announcement points to a gradual shift. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids look set to be Changan’s main route into electrification across the Middle East and Africa. That approach lets buyers try electric driving while keeping a petrol engine as back-up.
Meanwhile, the 500,000 sales figure shows Changan already has a sizeable customer base to build on. The fourth-quarter hybrid launches will be the first real test of the plan. After that, the NEVO and DEEPAL roll-outs should reveal how quickly the brand can turn its overseas targets into cars on local roads. Once prices and specifications are confirmed, we’ll be able to say whether these models offer buyers good value.
