Changzhi

Changzhi Automotive Industry Corporation

Logo used since 2004
Type	Public
Traded as	KSX: CAIC
Industry	Automotive Aerospace
Founded	11 June 1944 (1944-06-11)
Founder	Wang Yiming (王一鳴)
Headquarters	Chenghai, Kodeshia
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Fan Rong (範荣) (Chairwoman) He Xiulian (贺秀莲) (CEO)
Products	Automobiles, engines, transmissions, electric vehicles, aircraft engines
Revenue	Hz 171.8 trillion  (2022)
Operating income	Hz 16.30 trillion  (2022)
Net income	Hz 10.42 trillion  (2022)
Total assets	Hz 322.89 trillion  (2022)
Number of employees	150,000
Divisions	CAIC Commercial Vehicles CAIC Aerospace CAIC Auto Parts
Subsidiaries	CAIC-Takahashi Motors Sapa-Changzhi Korpayatisya
Homepage	changzhi.co.ko (Kodeshi) changzhi-global.com (Global)

Changzhi Automotive Industry Corporation trading as Changzhi Autos (Guoyu: 長直汽車工業總公司; Zhǎng zhí qìchē gōngyè zǒng gōngsī), is a major Kodeshi multinational with multiple divisions, including aerospace, automotive manufacturing corporation headquartered in Chenghai, Kodeshia. Established on 11 June 1944 by Wang Yiming (王一鳴), Changzhi has grown to become one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in Kodeshia and a significant player in the global automotive market. The company specialises in producing a wide range of mass-produced vehicles known for their durability, versatility, and practicality. Its product lineup includes passenger cars (sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs), commercial vehicles (trucks, buses), agricultural equipment, construction machinery, and military vehicles.

Changzhi plays a vital role in the Kodeshi automotive industry, which contributes significantly to the national economy. The company has a reputation for producing robust and reliable vehicles suited to various terrains and climates found across Kodeshia and its export markets. In recent decades, Changzhi has invested heavily in research and development, focusing on diesel engine technology, hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), aligning with Kodeshi government initiatives to promote EV adoption.

The corporation operates through several divisions and subsidiaries. Changzhi Autos focuses on passenger vehicles, while CAIC Commercial Vehicles, established in 1952, handles the production of buses, trucks, commercial vehicles, farming equipment, construction, mining, forestry, and military equipment. It has CAIC Auto Parts as a supplier and components for Changzhi since 1965. In 1971 Changzhi purchase the assets of Koudezhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. as it ceased operations, during the industrial restructuring becoming CAIC Aerospace an aircraft engines producer and key supplier of aircraft engines and components. Changzhi has also established key international partnerships, including CAIC-Takahashi Motors, a joint venture with Akitei manufacturer Takahashi Motors since 1986 for local production, and Sapa-Changzhi Korpayatisya, a 50-50 joint venture established in 2005 with Osorrai industrial conglomerate Sapa to penetrate the Avalonian market.

History

Founding and Early Years (1944-1950s)

Changzhi Automotive Industry Corporation was founded on 11 June 1944 by Wang Yiming in Chenghai. Its establishment came during a period of nascent industrialisation in Kodeshia, following the end of the civil war, which had allowed the automotive sector to refocus on civilian production after disruptions caused by the earlier Grand Campaigns. Changzhi was one of several major Kodeshi automotive companies founded in this era, alongside Wujin Auto Works, Fushou, and Jiangguo Motors.

Like many Kodeshi automakers of the time, Changzhi initially focused on producing durable and versatile vehicles suitable for Kodeshia's post-war conditions, often basing early models on foreign designs. Its first passenger car was the Changzhi Yijia (駕), a fullsize car launched in 1944. The company quickly established a reputation for robust and practical vehicles. In 1952, recognising the need for specialised vehicles, Changzhi established CAIC Commercial Vehicles to focus on trucks, buses, and other utility vehicles, including the long-running Changzhi Yiyun (易运) pickup truck, also launched in 1952.

However, the outbreak of the Great Kesh War forced Changzhi, like the rest of the Kodeshi automotive industry, to shift its entire production capacity towards the war effort. During this period, the company manufactured military trucks, engines, and other vehicles for the Imperial Armed Forces of Kodeshia. Civilian vehicle design and production were effectively frozen.

Post-War Reconstruction and Growth (1960s-1970s)

The Great Kesh War left Kodeshia devastated, creating an urgent need for basic, cost-effective transportation to aid in national reconstruction. Changzhi responded by developing and producing affordable and functional vehicles. The 1960s and 1970s saw rapid growth in the Kodeshi automotive industry, driven by increasing domestic demand for cars, trucks, and buses.

Changzhi significantly expanded its vehicle lineup during this period. Key models launched include the Changzhi Shunfeng (顺风) fullsize car (1966), the Changzhi Xingli (行力) midsize car (1970), the Changzhi Xunli (迅力) sports car (1974), and the Changzhi Yixing (易行) compact car (1979). In 1971 Changzhi purchase the assets of Koudezhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. as it ceased operations, during the industrial restructuring becoming CAIC Aerospace an aircraft engines producer and key supplier of aircraft engines and components. The company often collaborated with foreign partners, particularly from Akiteiwa, leveraging their technology and expertise through technical assistance or early joint ventures, a common practice in the Kodeshi auto industry at the time.

Expansion and Internationalisation (1980s-Present)

The 1980s marked the beginning of Changzhi's international expansion. Alongside other Kodeshi manufacturers, the company began exporting vehicles to neighbouring countries such as HCCK, Qingcheng, Akiteiwa, and South Kesh. This export drive contributed to further growth.

In 1986, Changzhi formalized a significant partnership by establishing CAIC-Takahashi Motors, a joint venture with the Akitei automotive giant Takahashi Motors. This venture facilitated the local production of vehicles under both the Changzhi and Takahashi brands, primarily for the Akitei and Kodeshi markets, strengthening Changzhi's technological base and market reach.

The company navigated challenges during this period, including the rising cost of raw materials and the economic impact of the Yindong Crisis. However, it continued to grow and innovate. Key models introduced include the Changzhi Xingfu (幸福) minivan (1988) and the influential Changzhi Jianbing (尖兵) fullsize SUV (1988).

By the 1990s, Changzhi was emerging as a significant player in the global automotive market. It further expanded its SUV offerings with the Changzhi Xingda (行达) in 1999. The company continued to focus on research and development, exploring diesel engines, hybrid technology, and eventually electric vehicles, aligning with Kodeshi government policies aimed at reducing reliance on imported oil and promoting EV production.

In 2005, Changzhi established Sapa-Changzhi Korpayatisya, a 50-50 joint venture with Osorrai industrial conglomerate Sapa. This partnership led to the construction of a large manufacturing plant in Ligodonsk, Osorra, with a capacity of around 350,000 cars per year, marking a major push into the Avalonian market. The introduction of the Changzhi Xingji (行迹) electric compact car in 2011 underscored the company's commitment to new energy vehicles.

Today, Changzhi Automotive Industry Corporation is a diversified global automaker facing the modern challenges of electrification, autonomous driving, increasing competition, and supply chain complexities, while leveraging its strong domestic position and established international partnerships.

Operations

Domestic Market

Changzhi is one of the dominant players in the Kodeshi automotive market, consistently holding a significant market share, reported at 19.26% in 2022. It competes directly with other major domestic manufacturers like Jiangguo Motors and Fushou. The company's reputation for producing durable, versatile, and practical vehicles resonates well with Kodeshi consumers across various segments, from urban commuters to rural users and commercial enterprises. Changzhi operates extensive manufacturing facilities within Kodeshia, including its main base in Chenghai, producing vehicles for both domestic consumption and export. Its wide dealership and service network covers the entire country.

International Operations

Changzhi has a significant global presence, exporting vehicles worldwide and operating through strategic joint ventures. Key international operations include:

• CAIC-Takahashi Motors (Akiteiwa): Established in 1986, this 50-50 joint venture with Takahashi Motors manufactures vehicles in Akiteiwa for both the Akitei and Kodeshi markets, leveraging shared technology and production platforms.
• Sapa-Changzhi Korpayatisya (Osorra): Established in 2005, this 50-50 joint venture with Sapa operates a large manufacturing plant near Ligodonsk, Osorra, producing around 350,000 vehicles annually. This venture serves as Changzhi's primary manufacturing base for the Avalonian market.

Products

Main article: List of Changzhi models

Changzhi offers a diverse range of vehicles catering to various market segments, produced under the Changzhi Autos brand and through its CAIC Commercial Vehicles division.

Current models

• Changzhi Yixing (易行) (1979-present), compact car
• Changzhi Xingji (行迹) (2011-present), electric compact car
• Changzhi Xingli (行力) (1970-present), midsize car
• Changzhi Shunfeng (顺风) (1966-present), fullsize car
• Changzhi Xunli (迅力) (1974-present), sports car
• Changzhi Xingfu (幸福) (1988-present), minivan
• Changzhi Xingda (行达) (1999-present), SUV
• Changzhi Jianbing (尖兵) (1988-present), fullsize SUV
• Changzhi Yiyun (易运) (1952-present), pick up truck

• Changzhi Yixing.jpg

  Changzhi Yixing

• Changzhi Xingji.jpg

  Changzhi Xingji

• Changzhi Xingli.jpg

  Changzhi Xingli

• Changzhi Shunfeng.jpg

  Changzhi Shunfeng

• Changzhi Xunli.jpg

  Changzhi Xunli

• Changzhi Xingfu.jpg

  Changzhi Xingfu

• Changzhi Xingda.jpg

  Changzhi Xingda

• 

  Changzhi Jianbing

• Changzhi Yiyun.jpg

  Changzhi Yiyun

Discontinued models

• Changzhi Yijia (駕) (1944-1965), fullsize car

• Changzhi Yijia .jpg

  Changzhi Yijia

CAIC Commercial Vehicles

Products include a wide range of buses, trucks, specialised commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery like tractors and combines, construction equipment, mining equipment, forestry equipment, and military vehicles (including variants of the Changzhi Jianbing).

Brands

Current brands and major subsidiaries of Changzhi Automotive Industry Corporation:

Current

Origin	Brand	Estab.	Notes
Kodeshia	Changzhi Autos	1944	The original brand known as Changzhi Automotive Industry Corporation but sold as Changzhi Autos.
Kodeshia	CAIC Commercial Vehicles	1952	It is a manufacturer of buses, trucks, commercial vehicles, farming equipment, construction, mining, forestry and military equipment.
Kodeshia	CAIC Auto Parts	1965	Produces automotive parts and components for Changzhi and other manufacturers.
Kodeshia	CAIC Aerospace	1971	Produces aircraft engines under its name and partners with other manufacturers to produce engines. It is a key supplier of aircraft engines and components for Kodeshi manufacturers.
Akiteiwa	CAIC-Takahashi Motors	1986	CAIC-Takahashi Motors is a 50-50 joint venture with Takahashi Motors for vehicle manufacturing and distribution, primarily in Akiteiwa and Kodeshia.
Osorra	Sapa-Changzhi Korpayatisya	2005	Sapa-Changzhi is a 50-50 joint venture between Osorrai industrial combine Sapa and Changzhi - in order to expand into Avalonia. It constructed a massive autoplant around Ligodonsk, which today produces around 350,000 cars a year.

Defunct

Origin	Brand	Estab.	Notes
Kodeshia	Koudezhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd.	1918	It was a manufacture of automobiles, trucks, buses, and aircraft engines. It ceased operations on the 5 November 1971, and was absorbed into Changzhi becoming CAIC Aerospace

Sales

Changzhi is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in Kodeshia by sales volume, consistently ranking among the top producers.

Changzhi & CAIC Commercial Vehicles global sales, 2010–2022

Year	Global sales	Growth
2010	394,336	5.81%
2011	417,280	5.82%
2012	441,811	5.88%
2013	468,084	5.95%
2014	496,475	6.07%
2015	531,042	6.96%
2016	567,824	6.93%
2017	607,142	6.92%
2018	647,884	6.71%
2019	701,608	8.29%
2020	756,483	7.82%
2021	816,456	7.93%
2022	881,121	7.92%

Changzhi & CAIC Commercial Vehicles domestic sales in Kodeshia, 2010–2022

Calendar year	Sales	Growth	Market share
2010	297,391	5.97%	17.12%
2011	309,138	3.95%	17.91%
2012	322,691	4.38%	17.82%
2013	333,015	3.20%	17.05%
2014	336,719	1.11%	17.83%
2015	351,848	4.49%	18.07%
2016	368,814	4.82%	18.62%
2017	386,192	4.71%	18.64%
2018	403,545	4.49%	18.86%
2019	423,892	5.04%	19.16%
2020	445,934	5.20%	19.46%
2021	468,784	5.12%	19.07%
2022	493,629	5.30%	19.26%

Motorsports

Changzhi Racing Global Rally Team logo

Changzhi Autos has a motorsports division called Changzhi Racing (Guoyu: 長直賽車; Zhǎng zhí sàichē) and one of their popular subdivision is the Changzhi Racing Global Rally Team (Guoyu: 長直賽車全球拉力車隊; Zhǎng zhí sàichē quánqiú lālì chēduì) and one of its successful models is the Changzhi Xunli Sport, a rally car based, which has participated and won in the Global Rally Championship (GRC) with Changzhi Racing Global Rally Team.

The team has achieved success with rally versions of the Changzhi Xunli sports car. A notable achievement was winning the 20XX GRC championship with the Changzhi Xunli Sport. The team currently campaigns the latest generation Changzhi Xunli Sport GR1. The latest generation the Changzhi Xunli Sport GR1 has yet to win any championship since its introduction it remains a formidable contender in the field.

External links

• Official website