Changan et CAOA engagent 950 millions de dollars dans l'industrie automobile brésilienne

Changan Automobile and its Brazilian partner CAOA inaugurated a highly automated production line in Anápolis, in the state of Goiás, on March 30, 2026, unveiling the first CHANGAN UNI-T SUV assembled on Brazilian soil. The ceremony was attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin, and Zhu Qingqiao, senior representative of the Chinese Embassy in Brazil. The event marks the launch of a new $950 million (BRL 5 billion) investment cycle for the 2026-2028 period.

Cumulative Commitment of $1.52 Billion at the Anápolis Site

Added to the $570 million (BRL 3 billion) invested since 2023, the two partners' total commitment at the Anápolis site reaches, according to figures provided by the companies, $1.52 billion (BRL 8 billion). The plant now has an annual production capacity of 90,000 vehicles, per the automakers. These figures reflect a long-term industrial anchoring strategy in Latin America's largest automotive market.

The UNI-T model reportedly resulted from three years of collaboration between 200 Chinese and Brazilian engineers. It features a 1.5 Turbo GDi BlueCore Flex engine, designed by Changan and calibrated by CAOA's technical teams for any ethanol-petrol blend. According to information provided by the manufacturers, the vehicle reportedly underwent 200,000 km of testing across Brazil's diverse climate conditions.

Flex-Fuel Technology as a Driver of Industrial Localization

The choice of a flex-fuel engine reflects the structural characteristics of the Brazilian market, where sugarcane ethanol plays a central role in fuel consumption. Building on this technology base, Changan indicates its intention to develop a broader range of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and electrified variants, with the stated objective of strengthening local supply chains and research and development activities in the country.

"For Changan, Brazil is not only a place to invest, but a land where we committed to building a long-term future," said Zhu Huarong, Chairman of China Changan Automobile Group. Carlos Alberto de Oliveira Andrade Filho, Co-President of CAOA, stated that the UNI-T "demonstrates that Brazil can establish itself as a global hub for high-technology automotive engineering and production."

The MOVER Program as a National Investment Framework

The announced investments are structured around the MOVER federal program, a Brazilian government initiative aimed at supporting the reindustrialization and modernization of the national automotive sector. Funds are primarily directed toward digitalizing assembly lines and workforce training. Changan also plans to open more than 60 additional dealerships in 2026 to expand its distribution network across Brazil.