Changan Auto expands into flying car market

Flying cars developed by Changan Automobile. [Photo provided to english.liangjiang.gov.cn]

On Dec 21, Changan Automobile signed a cooperation agreement with EHang, a global leader in urban air mobility and low-altitude economic solutions, for its flying car collaboration. 

According to Zhu Huarong, president of Changan Automobile, Changan will invest more than 20 billion yuan ($2.74 billion) in the low-altitude economy sector over the next five years to advance the flying car industry. 

Zhang also noted that over the next decade, Changan plans to invest over 100 billion yuan to explore integrated land, sea, and air mobility solutions, including humanoid robots. 

According to the agreement, Changan and EHang will use their strengths to enhance Changan's strategic layout in new automobiles, flying cars, humanoid robots, and new ecosystems. 

In recent years, Changan has significantly increased its R&D investment, which has been positively reflected in the market. In November, Changan's sales reached 277,000 units, a 22 percent year-on-year increase. For the first time, new energy vehicles exceeded the 100,000-unit mark, a 98.4 percent increase. 

Changan is also advancing the construction of its Global R&D Center and Global Science and Art Center, which aim to become leading platforms for scientific and artistic research in China's automotive industry. 

In the next decade, Changan plans to establish a team of more than 3,000 expert talents and invest over 30 billion yuan in building national key laboratories, a forward-looking technology research center, and a design center focusing on artificial intelligence, information security, system safety, and innovative research in experience, perception, and quality.