Kenyans can now purchase stylish, fuel-efficient and technologically driven cars from Changan Auto, a Chinese automaker.
On Friday evening, the brand, which partnered with Inchcape Kenya as its distribution partner, introduced five new high-performance vehicles that included Oshan SUV, Alsvin sedan, Hunter pickup, Star 5 minivan, Star 5 mini truck single and double cabin.
Changan, which means 'lasting safety,' has already solidified its presence in notable African markets such as Angola, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Ghana, and stands as one of the leading Chinese automotive brands globally, boasting a 160-year legacy.
As of 2022, Changan Group holds the fifth position among Chinese automobile groups was the highest-selling car in China and ranks second as an independent Chinese brand globally.
Julia Vershinskaya, Managing Director Inchcape Kenya, revealed that the partnership was strategic and determined to spread across the region with rollouts in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Djibouti.
"The launch of Changan Auto marks a significant milestone for our operations in Kenya and beyond. We understand how discerning the Kenyan customer is when searching for value and our goal is to ensure a wonderful driving experience for them. Our partnership with Changan holds significant strategic value for us,” stated Vershinskaya.
“As part of our long-term strategy, we prioritise building sustainable relationships with our OEMs on a global scale. Given their expanding presence, particularly in the EV sector, Chinese OEMs have significant representations in the Inchcape portfolio. It is worth noting that Inchcape has more Chinese OEMs partnerships that any other automotive distributor thanks to our market insight and experience."
Oshan SUV, one of the Changan flagship models, is a work of art that combines confidence, superiority, and sheer presence with sporty elegance. It is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine and has a fuel average of 14-15 km/litre, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 8.23 seconds.
Oshan also boasts a contemporary design, luxurious interior, and state-of-the-art features, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FW), and heated and vented seats.
The other flagship models include the Alsvin Sedan and Hunter pickup. Alsvin sedan is a sleek and fuel-efficient choice tailored for the energetic and style-conscious driver. With its highly efficient 1.5 litre Euro 6 engine, this sedan not only delivers impressive performance but also prioritizes fuel economy. Backed by a reassuring 5-year warranty, it promises lasting peace of mind.
Tom Yin, Vice General Manager Changan Automotive, on the other hand, noted that the five models were tailored for Kenyan customers and come complete with cutting-edge technology as well as safety features.
"We are delighted to introduce Changan to Kenya and East Africa. Our team is dedicated to enhancing safety, and value, and integrating cutting-edge technology into our vehicles for the market,” he stated.
“The models tailored for Kenyan customers boast an excellent quality-to-value ratio, providing a 5-year warranty for peace of mind and are specifically tailored to suit local conditions. In collaboration with our partner, Inchcape Kenya, we are committed to delivering an unmatched purchasing experience, ensuring comfort and safety throughout ownership for our esteemed customers.”
The dedicated showroom in Nairobi will cater to Kenyans keen on purchasing or test-driving all available Changan models.