An automatic assembly line is pictured at a smart factory of Changan Auto in Chongqing, southwest China, Jan. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

Zhu Huarong, chairman of China Changan Automobile Group Co, on Saturday posted on his personal Weibo account that he had visited Shenzhen and met with Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei. 

The two exchanged views on current industrial growth trajectory, competition trends and future development landscape.

Ren, reportedly, provided targeted and instructive suggestions on supporting Changan Automobile and the AVATR brand. 

"His vision, strategic thinking, wisdom, and passion left a deep impression on us—truly inspiring and deeply admirable. We extend our gratitude to corporate leaders such as Xu Zhijun and Yu Chengdong for their insightful discussions and support," Zhu said.

On July 29, China's state-owned assets regulator announced the inauguration of China Changan Automobile Group Co as a centrally administered state-owned enterprise (SOE). The move brings the total number of Chinese central SOEs to 100, and positions the company as the country's third central SOE in the automotive sector, joining FAW Group and Dongfeng Motor, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Zhu Huarong serves as the group's Party committee secretary and company chairman.

With 117 subsidiaries under the Changan Auto umbrella, the automaker will prioritize advancements in smart vehicles, robotics, flying cars, and embodied intelligence, among other cutting-edge manufacturing fields.

Additionally, Changan plans to accelerate global expansion, extending to key markets including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Europe. 

Industry observers view the move as a significant step in China's broader efforts to reform central SOEs and allocate state capital in an improved manner, while also strengthening the global competitiveness of the country's auto sector.

AVATR is a premium smart electric vehicle (EV) brand under AVATR Technology, dedicated to R&D and innovation in future mobility. Changan Automobile and CATL are its largest shareholders, holding 40.99 percent and 14.1 percent stakes, respectively. 

As a strategic partner, Huawei primarily supplies intelligent components such as advanced driver-assistance system algorithms and smart cockpit driving and in-vehicle entertainment solutions.

Global Times