Chongqing auto industry thrives

Changan Automobile Co in Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, achieved a historic milestone in October, with sales of its new energy vehicles (NEVs) exceeding 85,000 units for the first time, as reported by local media on Nov 5. 

A standout in Changan's innovative lineup is the Avatr 12 dual-power model, which offers pure electric and extended-range driving modes. This luxury sedan, equipped with Huawei's intelligent driving system, can autonomously navigate road conditions and determine routes, representing a significant advancement in smart technology and high-end manufacturing for Chongqing's automotive industry. 

According to a Changan Automobile representative, the company consistently invests at least 5 percent of its annual revenue into research and development. Over the next five years, Changan plans to invest 250 billion yuan ($34.99 billion) and expand its tech innovation team by 10,000 members. 

Driven by major automotive enterprises like Changan, Chongqing's NEV production reached 594,300 units in the first three quarters of this year, a 130 percent increase from the previous year. The added value of the automotive industry in Chongqing grew by 25.9 percent over the same period, the highest growth rate among Chinese peers. 

As a key automotive production base in China, Chongqing has focused on technological innovation and industrial upgrading in recent years. It has also worked to build a comprehensive industrial ecosystem by creating platforms, integrating resources, and optimizing layouts. This approach has attracted numerous upstream and downstream enterprises, supporting collaborative development across the industrial chain. 

Chongqing's automotive industry now encompasses all aspects of the supply chain, from raw material supply and parts manufacturing to vehicle assembly and sales services, forming a complete industrial chain system.