Chinese auto manufacturer Changan Automobile is launching in the Emirates under an exclusive dealership arrangement with the UAE-based MAN Investments.

Changan Automobile, which was established in Shanghai and traces its history back to 1862, entered the auto manufacturing business in 1984. The company sold about 2.8 million units globally last year, and is currently present in more than 65 countries.

“We are excited to represent this brand in the UAE,” said Raymond Ma, general manager, Changan UAE.

“Changan is growing extremely fast across the globe, and is already known across the region for its great pricing strategy, innovation, quality after-sales service and reliability.”

Changan will have dedicated showrooms in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi where its line-up of vehicles, from hatchbacks to SUVs and commercial vehicles, will be showcased.

The initial Changan range on offer will include the Eado compact sedan, the 1.6L CS35 SUV, and the top-of-the-range CS75 1.8L turbo six-gear automatic SUV. Prices for the Eado start at about AED35,000, while the base CS35 SUV costs around AED40,000.

“We are anticipating great interest from all over the UAE, and expect Changan to be a big hit with fleet operators as well as individuals,” Ma said.

“Investing more than $8 billion in R&D clearly underlines Changan’s commitment to design excellence, safety and reliability. We look forward to seeing the Changan range make serious impact on the UAE motoring scene.”