Jamaica formally welcomed the Changan Automotive brand on Wednesday, December 4, as Changan Auto Jamaica officially opened the doors to its Old Hope Road showroom.

“It is a privilege to welcome you all to this momentous occasion, the official launch of the Changan brand in Jamaica by Bella Castle International Limited, and the inauguration of our flagship showroom in Kingston,” Luis Daniel de la Barrera, general manger, Changan Auto Jamaica, said to guests at the launch event.

The 2,000-square-metre facility contains a showroom for vehicle sales, a workshop for after-sales, and a parts department.

“This substantial investment reflects our commitment to providing not just vehicles, but a complete ownership experience that exceeds customer expectations,” he added.

Changan Auto will stock the Hunter pickup, the Alsvin — a subcompact sedan, the Star 5 Cargo Van in two variants, and the MD201 micro pickup. The Uni-T sport utility vehicle has already been teased on its social media for future release.

“Here, in Jamaica, we are introducing Changan’s versatile line-up, including reliable sedans, durable pickups, and efficient commercial vehicles, all tailored to meet the unique needs of the Jamaican market. These vehicles reflect Changan’s philosophy of delivering affordability, reliability, and unmatched performance,” said de la Barrera.

Changan has been brought to Jamaica by Bella Castle Investments (BCI), out of the Dominican Republic. BCI has had a long history in the Dominican Republic automotive market having secured the Honda brand in 1956. In 2018 it added Changan Automobiles to its portfolio. Over the last four years BCI has had significant success with Changan, winning multiple awards, including #1 Chinese brand and the Best Growth Award for having the highest growth in all Latin America. Unit sales in 2023 of 2,930 put Changan at fourth in the Dominican Republic with 7.2 per cent of market share. BCI operates as Bella Castle International in Jamaica.

Changan Automobiles Company Limited was created in 1862 as a military supply factory making it China’s oldest automobile maker. It produced over 2.5 million vehicles in 2023.

“Each year Changan produces over 2.5 million vehicles globally, making it one of the top three Chinese automotive brands, and ranking among the top 15 automakers worldwide. Changan is more than just a name. It is a legacy of excellence in automotive manufacturing with a history spanning over 160 years. Changan Auto is one of the oldest and most trusted automotive manufacturers in the world,” de la Barrera said.