In 2026, the competition for intelligence in Chinese automobiles has entered a rather subtle stage.

The Department of Equipment Industry I of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology disclosed that since 2026, the penetration rate of passenger cars equipped with L2-level combined driving assistance functions domestically has reached 70.5%, and the penetration rate of NOA functions has reached 34.2%.

For today's car buyers, assisted driving is changing from a bonus feature on high-spec models to an increasingly common basic capability.

The industry is already preparing for the next stage. At the end of 2025, the first two L3-level conditional autonomous driving models obtained access permission, conducting pilots on designated roads under limited conditions in Beijing and Chongqing. Meanwhile, many new cars emphasized reserving sensing, computing, power supply, steering, and braking redundancy for L3 when released. Hardware is ready, but it does not mean consumers can use L3 now, but it indicates that automakers are investing in advance for the changes in regulations and liability boundaries.

More cameras, LiDAR, and chips are on the car, another question has become prominent: who is actually thinking for these cars?

From the supply side, intelligent driving capabilities are not as dispersed as the number of models. Besides automakers self-developing, Huawei Qankun, Momenta, and Horizon Robotics have entered different brands from complete systems, hardware software, and computing platforms, becoming important support for traditional automakers' intelligent implementation.

The "2025 Urban NOA Car Assistance Driving Research Report" released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers shows that in the first 11 months of 2025, domestic urban NOA passenger car sales were about 3.129 million, among which about 679,000 used third-party cooperative solutions; in this part of the market, Momenta and Huawei HI Mode combined accounted for about 80%. Horizon Robotics covers a wider range of models from chips and computing foundations. This not only shows that intelligent driving functions are rapidly popularizing, but also shows that underlying capabilities are still concentrated in a few suppliers and OEMs with self-developed capabilities.

For traditional automotive enterprises, purchasing mature solutions is natural. For the past few decades, automakers have always been organized parts through the global supply chain, then complete vehicle definition, integration, and manufacturing. It is just that when vehicle experience starts to be continuously rewritten by algorithms, the suppliers no longer control just a parts, but also data, iteration speed, and part of product definition rights.

This makes Changan's choice worth discussion.

First, at the end of 2025, the 30 millionth Changan China brand vehicle rolled off the production line. Changan's huge product and user base welcomed a new stage. After becoming a "new central enterprise", Changan is still promoting the goal proposed in 2017: transform into a smart low-carbon mobility technology company.

Second, intelligent driving under Changan is not a single route. Avatr and some Deepal models use Huawei Qankun solutions. Deepal L06 was jointly developed by Changan, Deepal, and Horizon Robotics. Qiyuan E07 was an earlier mass production landing point for Changan's full-stack self-developed high-level assistance driving.

Open cooperation can quickly make up for product capabilities, but a large automaker that hopes to become a technology company still needs to establish its own core capabilities.

Therefore, when Tianzhu Pilot entered the 150,000-200,000 yuan new energy SUV market with Changan Qiyuan Q06, what is worth looking at is not just what functions this car added. Changan also needs to verify a harder thing: whether self-developed intelligent driving can enter mainstream prices, and run its own data loop relying on a large enough mass production scale.

Q06, What to Compete for More in the Family SUV Market

Buying a new energy SUV for 150,000-200,000 yuan, consumers already have very few choices to lack. Leapmotor C11, Deepal S07, BYD Seal 06 and other products are all competing for family users with increasingly comprehensive requirements. Space must be large, range must be enough, comfort configurations cannot be missing, assisted driving is gradually becoming an item to compare when purchasing a car.

Changan Qiyuan Q06 started pre-sales on the evening of September 4, launching 9 models, pre-sales price 149,900-191,900 yuan, covering pure electric and extended-range two power sources. This price range is hard to decide victory and defeat by relying on a single configuration again. Users valuing space also need to compare comfort, people caring about range will calculate replenishment time, whether assisted driving is easy to use needs to be judged after truly driving.

Q06's product combination carries this ambition. 4,837 mm vehicle length and 2,940 mm wheelbase, first respond to family car space needs; pure electric and extended-range two routes, let users with different charging conditions and travel radius have choices. High-spec pure electric models use total power 330 kW rear dual motor scheme, 800V high-voltage platform and 6C fast charging extend competition to driving and replenishment experience. Front double wishbone, rear five-link suspension, and zero-pressure seats, rear entertainment screen and cold/heat refrigerator, continue to make up parts family users can perceive directly.

These configurations do not need to come one by one to win. They put together, show Q06 wants to fight for space and cost-performance users, also wants Qiyuan to have more performance, comfort and technology identity. Same price products more and more comprehensive, Q06 must make consumers remember specific differences.

And as the first mass production car equipped with Tianzhu Pilot, Qiyuan Q06 provides a perceptible entry point in intelligent assisted driving through Tianzhu Pilot - drivers can express temporary driving intentions to the vehicle using natural language.

Changan Automobile Chief Intelligent Driving Technology Officer Tao Ji compares it to a driver who needs occasional communication. For example, users hope to change lanes less on a road, or express their lane preferences on familiar commuting routes. A few gears in traditional settings are hard to cover these needs.

Interactive navigation connects end-to-end driving through multi-modal understanding, making the way of expressing intentions more natural. Tao Ji also talks about World Model, Mind Model and Ontological Model, involving road environments, intentions of other traffic participants, and the vehicle's own motion boundaries. These still belong to some continued exploration technical directions. For current Q06, a more realistic task is to solidify the already open interaction capabilities and driving assistance experience.

The technological feel in family cars, finally falls on how to use it every day, whether it can reduce operation burden. Whether users are willing to use it continuously is more persuasive than how many commands can be demonstrated on the launch event.

And according to Changan's disclosure at the communication meeting, Q06 pre-sales orders reached 11,000 units in two hours, Ultra version accounting for 53%, rear dual motor version accounting for about 30%. This is a positive early signal, indicating that new technology and new power schemes are receiving attention.

From the test drive experience of Auto Talk, Q06 is very competitive in handling, comfort configurations, and assisted driving experience. The real test is whether these advantages can remain consistent in daily use.

A Large Automaker, Why Still Do It Yourself

For Q06, "self-developed" itself will not automatically become a selling point. Its value depends on whether Changan can implement its product ideas on the car, and continuously improve during the user's car usage process.

Changan Automobile Executive Vice President and Changan Brand Business Unit General Manager Yang Dayong said on site: "The reason is simple, just two words, brand." He subsequently added: "We hope that whether it is Changan Qiyuan, or Changan Automobile, or Changan Brand products, the core technology of products must come from Changan's own hands."

This is not a temporary impulse. Changan released "Beidou Tianzhu" plan in 2018, and launched "Beidou Tianzhu 2.0" again in 2025, clearly adopting "self-development + cooperation co-creation" two routes. Previously full-stack self-developed high-level assistance driving has already been mass produced on Qiyuan E07, Tianzhu Pilot continues to push this route to products with larger coverage.

Therefore, currently it seems, Tianzhu Pilot does not mean Changan giving up cooperation with Huawei, Horizon Robotics and other enterprises. Different brands, prices and product positioning can choose different solutions; Changan needs to fill in, is its own ability to define functions, find problems and decide iteration order. Interactive navigation is a specific attempt: it comes from Changan's judgment on how users use vehicles, and also requires algorithms and vehicle engineering to complete together.

Communication meeting scene, besides brand and intelligent driving persons in charge, product, R&D, cockpit, manufacturing and service persons in charge also take turns answering questions. A driving assistance system installed into mass production car, has to go through vehicle definition, engineering development, production filling, verification and after-sales, far more than algorithm department completes a model training once.

Changan Automobile Vice President, Chief Cybersecurity Officer, Chief Digital Officer, simultaneously serving Changan Technology Director, President He Gang, explained this from vehicle engineering perspective. Intelligent driving problems occur, reason may be in perception and decision, also may come from steering, braking or power. He asked on site: "Is it eyes having problems, brain having problems, or legs having problems?"

For users, these finally manifest as whether the vehicle drives smoothly, actions conform to expectations. For R&D team, it is to put vehicle data, algorithms and actuators together to analyze. After finding problems, then collect relevant cases, train models, after verification push new version. He Gang said: "Only when you find problems, you can improve yourself quickly."

According to He Gang's introduction, Changan has already included cross-city generalization testing into development system, conducting road tests in 45 cities, and through simulation, real cars and virtual-real fusion verification polished system. This is the disclosure at Changan's communication meeting, finally still has to be tested by long-term use of different cities and different users.

Changan also launches Tianzhu Pilot Assurance Package, providing relevant compensation and exclusive services, specific guarantee subject to terms. Currently open is still L2 level assisted driving, drivers need to bear corresponding responsibility; enterprises then have to catch problems exposed during user use. He Gang's expression is: "We will take the responsibility for the whole result, take responsibility, including the subsequent continuous use period."

Self-developed also faces investment and return. Changan Automobile 2026 semi-annual report shows, first half year net profit attributable to parent company 817 million yuan, down year by year 64.32%. This financial report information placed here meaning is very direct: Technology must enter mainstream products and obtain user recognition, long-term investment has more stable foundation. Q06 undertakes is this mass production scale verification.

Driving Out of China, What Gates Does Tianzhu Pilot Still Pass

Going global is still a hot topic at technical communication meeting, but before discussing Tianzhu Pilot going global, need to first look where Changan has already sold cars.

Changan's "Hai Na Bai Chuan" plan divides global market into five major regions. As of April 2025, Changan disclosed built 9 overseas factories, global channel outlets exceeded 9,000, Thailand new energy vehicle base also entered production stage. Sales aspect, Changan overseas sales grew from 249,000 vehicles in 2022 to 637,300 vehicles in 2025, first half of 2026 exported 455,000 vehicles. Overseas has become an important source for Changan to expand scale.

Channel, factory and sales spread out, intelligent driving must keep up with products going out speed. System that works well in China, change a country whether still work well? This is Auto Talk on site chasing Changan's question, involving local roads, regulations, data processing, and adaptation work brought by left/right steering traffic environment changes.

He Gang gave a very specific example: Brazil, Mexico some roads' speed bumps, raise different requirements for recognition and deceleration. Some areas network conditions are limited, traffic signs, road participants and driving habits also different from domestic. These differences need vehicles learn and verify locally again.

Changan Brazil Factory

Intelligent driving going global cannot just rely on changing interface language, also cannot take domestic performance directly as overseas experience guarantee. Local roads data comes from where, how discover new problems, after update how verify, need a method that can operate continuously.

Talking about local computing power, He Gang said on site: "You want to do globalized business, you should build local computing power centers in these corresponding regions globally." Changan proposes data loop in local areas, its consideration includes both adapting to local roads, also meeting data processing legal requirements.

Overseas data compliance does not equal all data one by one prohibited cross-border. Most markets allow cross-border transmission meeting conditions, but enterprises need to explain collection purpose and scope, data recipients, and what mechanism provide protection.

For example, EU GDPR requires purpose restriction and data minimization, personal data transmission to third countries also need meet corresponding conditions. Vehicle location, driving habits, in-vehicle voice once able to associate personal, cannot because train model need infinitely collect. Saudi Arabia, UAE and Brazil specific rules different, similarly require enterprises establish legal paths for personal data cross-border transmission for individuals, cannot default all back to headquarters.

Local computing power, data loop and verification system will increase short-term investment, also determine whether system can truly adapt to local roads. According to He Gang's judgment at communication meeting, overseas highway navigation may first spread than urban capabilities, UAE then may become early attempt urban navigation market. This is still promotion direction, specific landing follows local testing and regulation conditions.

Make Technology Become Reason for Buying Car

Back to Q06, Tianzhu Pilot gives it added confidence, first is a more distinct intelligent experience. Space, replenishment and comfort constitute product foundation, driving assistance and natural language interaction then provide new identity.

Changan has many years vehicle R&D, manufacturing and service accumulation, can handle intelligence problems from whole vehicle angle; self-development makes product definition and software iteration distance shorter. Next need to prove, whether these capabilities can cooperate well on Q06, let users drive smoothly every day, after update also feel specific improvement.

If Q06 can establish such reputation, Qiyuan harvested will exceed one new car heat. Changan can use mass production tested capabilities to more models, let R&D accumulation get reuse, also let brand gradually form clearer technology tags.

Q06 worth looking forward to place, lies at that it brings Changan's whole vehicle experience and self-developed intelligent driving to main family able to consider price point. When Tianzhu Pilot from test drive fresh sense, change into daily car use willing open, used smooth function, it gives Q06 added confidence, will truly become consumers buying car reason.

The moment the press conference ended, people around started placing orders

After Changan Auto released its Tianshu Pilot technology, Qiyuan Q06 simultaneously opened pre-sale orders, with a reservation price starting from 147,900 yuan. There are 7 pure electric versions and 2 extended-range versions, totaling 9 models.

Due to its strong performance in various aspects, it instantly switched to a high-volume order mode.

Where there is popularity, there are controversies. Someone asked an interesting question: Is this car the Changan version of the Xiaomi YU7?

This plainly reflects the questioning many new cars faced in the past year: Does Car A look like Car B? Is it a rushed product?

This is also the reason why Changan released the Tianshu Pilot technology before the Qiyuan Q06 pre-sale.

The strongest trump card of Qiyuan Q06 is three words — Full Self-Development. Tianshu Pilot, Tianshu Cockpit, Tianshu Chassis, three major "Tian Series" technologies gathered on one car for the first time, all developed by Changan from the ground up, representing a total release of Changan Auto's over a decade of intelligent accumulation.

In this issue, we will use four I Ching hexagrams, with Qiyuan Q06 as a product case, to excavate Changan Auto's core competitiveness in the Chinese and global markets.

Qian Hexagram: Single-segment End-to-End, Grasping the Core of Intelligent Driving

Qiyuan Q06 debuts with Tianshu Pilot Ultra, the first single-segment end-to-end intelligent driving system self-developed by a central state-owned enterprise.

What is a single-segment end-to-end? It's not engineers writing rules line by line, but the system watching over 20 million real driving videos and learning how to drive itself. Lane changes are smooth, cornering is stable, acceleration and deceleration are like an experienced driver, because it learned from real humans how to drive.

The hardware specs are tough too: 560 TOPS computing chip, 256-line LiDAR, LiDAR standard on all trims. In low light, backlight, rain, or fog, the machine sees clearer than humans. Achieving "identification earlier than humans" relies on 10Hz high-frequency inference and active LiDAR detection, so even in bad weather, it's not panic.

In terms of features, Highway NCA and City NCA are fully connected, usable from city areas to highways. Over 400 parking scenarios, including narrow spots, dead-end roads, diagonal spots, all handled in one move. 31 active safety functions monitor throughout, the system reacts before humans in emergency situations.

The most amazing is Interactive Pilot. Users just say "Lane change overtake", "Turn right at next intersection", the system understands instantly, also responds to continuous composite commands. Not making people adapt to the car, but the car adapts to people.

Why can these be done? It's the accumulation of full self-development technology. Not bought black boxes, not supplier solutions. It was polished and researched night and day by Changan's 7500 engineers.

The Qian Hexagram says "Heaven moves vigorously, the gentleman strives unceasingly". If you cannot master core technology yourself, you will always be choked by others.

Kun Hexagram: 2940mm Wheelbase plus 800V Fast Charging, Good Cars Make People Feel Secure

No matter how strong the intelligent driving is, the car is ultimately for people to sit in. In this aspect, Qiyuan Q06 goes the extra mile.

Wheelbase 2940mm, longest in its class, space efficiency 91.7%. Exterior doesn't look bulky, interior is very spacious. Rear seatback 145-degree infinite electric adjustment, all seats feature ventilation, heating, and massage. 1.3 meters interior net height, 479mm pure flat corridor, three people in rear seats don't hit legs or shoulders squeezed, dubbed the "Comfort Rear Seat King", not an exaggeration.

In terms of cockpit comfort, 15.6-inch 2.5K HD entertainment screen, sky screen with electric sunshade, instantly becomes a mobile cinema. The "Light Rail Passing Through Building" style electric sunshade, operation feels particularly ceremonial, just swipe lightly to open.

The chassis uses Tianshu Chassis, front double wishbone rear multi-link, luxury car level configuration. Class debut dual-motor rear drive, plus torque vector control, left and right wheel torque independent output. Makes Qiyuan Q06 not slip in rain, not float at high speed, not drift in turns, stable to drive, comfortable to sit.

Range and recharging are equally important, 800V Silicon Carbide platform plus 6C fast charging, fastest "one kilometer per second", charge 5 minutes, range 200 km. CATL battery cells, pure electric 700 km, extended range combined 1600 km, whether city commute or long distance travel, range anxiety basically non-existent.

"The greatness of technology lies not only in being advanced but also in being popularized". Kun Hexagram says "Virtuousness carries all things". Vehicle design is sufficiently generous, large space, stable chassis, long range, so a family can travel safely without worry, enjoying pleasure.

Ji Ji Hexagram: Not a Rushed Car, 15 Years of Ultimate Polishing

Many brands making intelligent driving cars wish to launch dozens of models a year, "Honest Car Making" Changan Auto does not do this.

In 2009, Changan established an intelligent research department, at that time most people didn't know what intelligent driving was. After 15 years, the intelligent team grew from 0 to 7500 people, investment over 60 billion. The first L3 autonomous driving official license plate in the country was taken by Changan, the only national key laboratory focusing on intelligent vehicle safety technology in the country was built by Changan.

This mass production of Tianshu Pilot Ultra on board, behind it is over 400,000 virtual simulation scenario trainings, cumulative verified mileage about 1.45 billion km. Changan executives personally served as "drivers", driving Qiyuan Q06 across dozens of cities nationwide, elevated merging, narrow road pedestrian-vehicle mixed traffic, polishing scenario by scenario.

To ensure users drive worry-free, Changan Auto also specially designed "Tianshu Pilot Peace of Mind Package", accident loss compensation, premium hike compensation, total loss replacement compensation, new and old users buying before end of 2026 all get free for one year. Full scenario protection, full process service, all users available.

Changan used 15 years to polish the sword extremely, only then do we have the today's complete intelligent driving solution composed of single-segment end-to-end, City NCA, over 400 parking scenarios together.

This is something rushed cars simply cannot do.

Ji Ji Hexagram water on fire, rice already cooked. Changan's intelligent driving feast, brewed for 15 years, verifies an old saying, good food is not afraid of being late.

Da You Hexagram: Full Stack Self-Development is the Root, Deep Roots Allow Leaves to Flourish

Someone asked, why can Qiyuan Q06 bring the pre-sale price down to 147,900?

The answer is still the previous three words: Full Self-Development.

Tianshu Pilot from chip to algorithm to chassis, all Changan does itself, not bought black boxes, not supplier patchwork solutions, it is written line by line by code by 7500 engineers.

Because of self-development, costs are controllable. 560 TOPS computing, 256 line LiDAR, 800V Silicon Carbide, 6C Fast Charging, dual-motor rear drive, full aluminum front double wishbone rear multi-link, these things put together, others need to sell for 300,000, Changan can sell for 147,900.

Because of self-development, iteration is fast enough, OTA upgrades don't need to wait for supplier schedules, Changan calls the shots.

Because of self-development, safety guarantee, the only National Key Laboratory for Intelligent Vehicle Safety in the country is Changan's own, Tianshu Intelligent Experiment Center is also Changan's own.

Tianshu Pilot divided into four gradients — Pro, Max, Ultra, Ultimate, LiDAR standard on all trims, single-segment end-to-end on all trims. Not luxury goods made for a few, but to let everyone use them.

Da You Hexagram says "Fire in the sky, light shines everywhere", full stack self-development is that fire, illuminating the road where 140,000 price range can also enjoy high-level intelligent driving.

Conclusion: Deeply Planted Roots, Branches and Leaves Can Reach Far

Full stack self-development root has been planted down, Changan's branches and leaves start to stretch outwards.

In 2025, Changan's annual overseas sales 637,000 vehicles, YoY growth 18.9%, exports accounted for 21.9% of total sales. First half of 2026, overseas delivery 402,000 vehicles, YoY sharp increase 35.1%, overseas business proportion in total sales has been raised to about 33.6%. Overseas business gross margin maintained above 20%, became Changan's high profitability second growth curve.

Thailand Rayong Factory 20,000th vehicle roll out, Brazil Anapolis Factory completed and production. Sales channels cover 129 countries and regions, global layout 93 factories. Changan plans to land Tianshu Pilot's Highway NCA solution overseas first next year.

From Chongqing to the world, from full stack self-development to global layout, Changan walks a path of "Deep Roots Flourishing Leaves".

Changan Auto Group Chairman Zhu Horong said at the press conference: "Core technology must be grasped in one's own hands, central state-owned enterprises must shoulder the banner of national competitiveness, new quality productive forces, technology self-reliance and self-strengthening."

Qiyuan Q06 is this flag. 147,900, single-segment end-to-end, 256 line LiDAR, 800V fast charging, dual-motor rear drive -, this car is not a substitute for anyone, it is Changan showing the sword polished for 15 years, pointing to the global.

Sword is drawn, the road to going global is illuminated.

In the past two years, the choice of intelligent assisted driving solutions by automotive companies has triggered a massive discussion in the industry regarding the "Soul Theory"—but this has not stopped most automotive companies from seizing market opportunities. They continue to choose mainstream suppliers' intelligent driving systems and smart cockpits to improve their products' competitiveness. Obviously, establishing an intelligent driving system requires evolution from "consciousness" to "pragmatism," and it cannot be achieved overnight, as this involves R&D investments in the range of tens of billions. Now, a new Central SOE has finally taken a substantive step, and that is Changan Automobile.

On September 4th at the 6th Changan Tech Ecosystem Conference, the release of Changan Tianshu Leading technology and the pre-sale launch of Changan Qiyuan Q06 were officially held, which can be considered a closed-loop response to the "Soul Theory" of that year. In the subsequent media communication session, Changan Automobile Executive Vice President Yang Dayong directly pointed out the core of Changan's intelligent driving self-research: "From the beginning of creating the Changan brand and Qiyuan brand until now, what we were waiting for was Tianshu Leading. Changan Qiyuan models will be equipped with, and only equipped with, Changan's self-developed Tianshu Leading intelligent driving assistance system in the future. The core reason comes down to two words: Brand."

Objectively speaking, in this era where almost every car company talks about "end-to-end," there are not many companies that have truly implemented mass production with a fully self-developed one-piece end-to-end approach. However, Changan is an exception among them. With cumulative sales breaking through 30 million units, persisting in intelligent R&D for over a decade, and investing over 60 billion into the intelligent sector, Changan's firmly chosen path of full-stack self-research still holds relatively high value today.

Of course, if this path is simply labeled as "computing power competition" and "scenario coverage," it is actually looking at Changan's decision too simply. Firmly choosing such a capital-intensive route and releasing a product with superior intelligent driving levels without setting a high threshold, the strategic significance behind Changan's intelligent driving self-research is worth deep discussion.

Changan Intelligent Driving Self-Research Understands the "Coase Boundary"

Even though intelligent driving is a topic that mainstream car companies must face, the matter of "whether to self-research" is understood differently by everyone. Facing fierce market competition, thinking about your own "Coase Boundary" in advance is perhaps the more reasonable answer to this question. The Coase Theory holds that when market transaction costs are higher than internal organization costs, enterprises choose to "do it themselves" rather than "buy from others." In other words, how much an enterprise should do depends on the cost comparison between building in-house and outsourcing.

Theoretically, the current Chinese intelligent driving market has a fairly mature supplier ecosystem. Any of Huawei, Momenta, or Horizon could allow Changan to take a shortcut in intelligent driving; Changan has the condition for "plug and play" in this field. Transferring R&D costs to the supply chain and focusing on vehicle manufacturing and brand marketing is also a choice for many car companies.

Surprisingly, Changan did not do this. So what was its choice? Since establishing an intelligent R&D team in 2009, Changan has persisted on the self-research route, building an intelligent R&D team of over 7,500 people and constructing the only National Key Laboratory in China focusing on intelligent vehicle safety technology. It can be seen that Changan's investment in this area is huge.

"Why must we insist on self-research? Without self-research capability, it is difficult for the brand to clearly explain to consumers: Why should users choose us? What differentiated experience can we provide? Consumers are not just buying a car, but an affirmation of the brand, which is also an important part of our brand's new quality productive forces." Yang Dayong stated.

Then, why take the detour instead of the shortcut? In our exclusive interview, Changan Automobile Vice President He Gang provided an explanation. He mainly mentioned four points: First, only self-research allows for deep understanding of user needs and polishing products with real data; Second, only self-research possesses complete system analysis capabilities. When vehicle anomalies occur, problems can be located at the whole vehicle level. If only doing the intelligent driving single module, the whole picture of the vehicle cannot be seen; Third, only self-research can achieve rapid iterative optimization. After problems are found, data can be quickly collected, models trained, and simulations verified; Fourth, only self-research can back up safety and responsibility. As an OEM, it must be responsible for the final result of the whole vehicle.

From these perspectives, Changan's decision logic is very clear. When intelligent driving technology becomes a "core differentiated element" of automotive products, market transaction costs will exceed internal organization costs. Outsourcing intelligent driving solutions may look like a "shortcut" on the surface, but hidden costs are very high. Apart from negotiation costs, coordination costs, and iteration costs, the core thing belongs to others, making it difficult to form a true technical barrier. For a car company of Changan's scale, "borrowing the path" is not a long-term plan.

Besides the underlying considerations at the strategic level, the long-term value of the self-research route is more reflected in the core advantages of the technical architecture. Changan Automobile Chief Intelligent Driving Technology Officer Tao Ji broke down Tianshu Leading's "one-piece end-to-end" into three layers: First is the World Model. Driving is a dynamic game task; the vehicle needs to truly "read" the intentions of other traffic participants and play games with them; Second is the Body Model, incorporating vehicle dynamics and chassis capabilities into the large model to understand the "boundaries of muscle capability"; Third is the Multimodal Large Model, allowing the system to understand natural language instructions like "follow that grey sedan in front" and accurately map them to specific vehicles in 3D physical space. The three eventually share a backbone of a basic large model in the cloud. This is also the most essential difference between Tianshu Leading and "outsourced solutions."

Changan chose to self-develop Tianshu Leading. This system forms a deep coupled system-level synergy with the SDA Tianshu Central Ring Network Architecture, Tianshu Chassis, and Tianshu Cockpit 2.0. This synergy cannot be achieved by any outsourced solution. Yang Dayong stated at the communication meeting: "According to Changan's planning, whether it is Changan Automobile or Changan Qiyuan Brand, Changan brand models will be equipped with, and only equipped with, Changan's self-developed Tianshu Leading intelligent driving assistance system. So far, we have no intention to introduce other suppliers to provide intelligent driving assistance overall solutions for the Changan Brand. The core reason comes down to two words: Brand." Changan wants to clarify "why choose us" to consumers through this way and further shape brand recognition. From a long-term perspective, this is a very visionary move to enhance brand competitiveness.

Changan's ambition goes beyond self-research and self-use. He Gang revealed: "When Tianshu Leading was originally planned, it was to build a global intelligent platform, hoping to provide it to all car factories and industries related to intelligent robots, such as robots, flying cars, etc. Currently, besides our product brands, external car factories are also communicating with us. Some strategic agreements will be released recently, and next year, some models in vehicles outside the Changan family will be equipped." This means Changan's role positioning in the intelligent driving field is extending from "Client" to "Solution Provider."

Behind Qiyuan Q06 Pricing is a Downward Marginal Cost Curve

At the 6th Changan Tech Ecosystem Conference, Qiyuan Q06 started pre-sales. The pre-sale price starting from 147,900 RMB was quite unexpected, especially since this is a vehicle fully equipped with LiDAR and carrying the Tianshu Leading intelligent driving system. If adding the 800V Silicon Carbide High Voltage Platform, 6C Fast Charging, front double wishbone rear multi-link full aluminum suspension, etc., it is clearly a pricing exceeding industry norms.

Now the industry is heavily competitive, and breaking existing price anchors while improving value experience is not easy. Now Changan has done this with this new car. Why? After all, its marginal cost curve is moving downward. The cost structure of outsourced solutions is "linear," making the upfront investment look acceptable. However, in reality, for every car sold, the car company needs to pay a fixed licensing fee or hardware premium to Tier 1.

To put it bluntly, no matter how much car companies want to reduce costs, there is a supplier's profit floor controlling it. Self-research solutions are different. The cost structure of self-research solutions is "steep then flat," meaning huge upfront investment, but the marginal cost keeps decreasing. For example, Changan's upfront R&D investment is a fixed cost. Once mass production is completed, the "intelligent driving marginal cost" for every additional car is only chip, sensor, and other hardware material costs.

Beyond self-research, Changan has further confidence in cost reduction. Hesai's official website mentioned that it has obtained exclusive mass production projects for multiple Changan brands, with planned orders exceeding 1.5 million units. This scale of centralized procurement means Changan has more bargaining space on the hardware side. Therefore, behind Yang Dayong saying "this car must make money," is a problem calculated in advance. On one hand, self-research amortizes fixed costs; on the other hand, centralized procurement suppresses hardware costs. Under dual-wheel drive, Changan dares to break norms with Qiyuan Q06 and re-calibrate the value of this level of vehicle. Qiyuan Brand's actual sales also prove the correctness of Changan's strategy in recent years.

"Qiyuan's global sales broke 45,000 in August. After Q06 is out, I believe the number will increase further. Moreover, this number was achieved under the difficult situation of guaranteeing Q05 supply now, with tens of thousands of Q05 orders still not delivered. Plus Q06, I personally think Qiyuan's average monthly sales might have a chance to reach around 60,000 units, and the total sales this year should be around 400,000 units." For Changan Qiyuan's current achievements and next goals, Yang Dayong believes there is more confidence and optimism with the support of Tianshu Leading.

In the interview, Changan Qiyuan General Manager Li Rui revealed that Q06 pre-sales reached 11,000 units in two hours last night. Among the two major configuration gradients, one is Tianshu Leading Pro, the other is Tianshu Leading Ultra. The percentage of customers choosing Tianshu Leading Ultra reached 53%. Most customers chose the 700 km range, and they have a higher focus on intelligent driving assistance. Especially Changan Automobile's inaugural dual-motor rear-drive data, the users who chose it account for about 33%. This means the willingness of initial users to pay for intelligent driving is not low, and it also shows that although car companies have huge investment in self-research, the outbreak of market demand will allow car companies to quickly welcome the return period.

Gaining User Trust, Central SOE Identity is an "Open Card"

To take root in the intelligent driving track, "safety" is the story that must be told well. However, various intelligent driving safety accidents that occurred in the industry in the past did not leave people with a good impression. The trust deficit consumers have in intelligent driving is a problem every car company must face. Changan's advantage lies in its ability to tell the story well and its strength to implement the story. Of course, here is an "open card," which is the Central SOE identity.

In economics, there is a concept called "Credible Commitment." When one party can make an irrevocable commitment, transaction costs can be reduced, and trust efficiency improved. As a Central SOE, Changan has a very high cost to breach commitments. This "dare not mess around" constraint actually makes it easier for people to generate trust. At the launch event, Changan repeatedly emphasized "Assisted Driving is not Autonomous Driving" and "No Exaggeration, No Misleading." Its statement on intelligent driving safety issues carries the characteristics of "Credible Commitment."

This "dare not mess around" constraint is also reflected very specifically in Changan's R&D system. He Gang revealed at the communication meeting that Changan has officially included intelligent driving "generalization testing" into the development test system. 500 engineers cover 45 cities nationwide for road tests. After each version iteration, engineers receive differentiated map tasks for on-site testing. The backend statistics takeover times and other key data in real-time. This mechanism ensures Tianshu Leading will not only stay at "works well in Chongqing," but truly possesses "can work nationwide" generalization capabilities.

In addition, there are a few key points that can indirectly reflect the trustworthiness of Changan's intelligent driving. Changan is the first car company in China to obtain official formal license plates for Level 3 autonomous driving and is also one of the first Central SOEs to obtain Level 4 Robotaxi test licenses. Behind these two licenses are the strict audits of ministries such as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Public Security, carrying the meaning of "Official Certification" in itself. Changan also deeply participated in the formulation of ADS GTR International Regulations—the world's first unified technical regulations for autonomous driving—and led the formulation of multiple national standards such as "Automated Driving Classification of Automobiles." Currently, Changan has deeply participated in formulating over 270 international, national, and industry standards, including over 60 in the intelligent field. It can be seen that Changan's strength in intelligent driving is very hardcore.

Besides, the Qiyuan Brand has not only focused on the domestic market but repeatedly emphasized "Domestic and Overseas Global One Game." In August 2026, Changan Automobile's overseas deliveries reached 92,400 units, up 78.6% year-on-year, achieving year-on-year growth for 7 consecutive months; With the completion of the Brazil Factory production and the 20,000th whole vehicle rolling off the line from the Thailand Rayong Factory, Changan's localized production network continues to deepen, and the overseas market is becoming one of its core growth pillars. He Gang's judgment on overseas intelligent driving implementation is that Highway NCA will spread quickly, but Urban is not that easy. After personally visiting multiple countries, he believes that the UAE road conditions are clear, lane lines are neat, and driving behavior is good, which might be the best overseas market for layout Urban NCA. Senior management is not aggressive, cautious and rhythmic attitude, which is very rare in the industry.

Trial of multi-form consumer markets has already become an important idea for Changan Automobile after core technology support, because for a time-honored car company, the "sense of crisis" always exists.

Yang Dayong analyzed: "There are currently about 120+ automotive brands in China, among which there are about 50-60 with certain sales scale that can enter the rising list. Among these 50-60 brands, the truly active ones, which contribute about 80% of China's auto market sales, are about 25, belonging to 10 to 15 OEMs. According to the '80/20 Rule' deduction, by 2030 or a future point in time, the ones that may finally survive are just these 20+ brands. From over 120 reducing to 20+ means the Chinese market will eliminate about 100 brands in the next few years, inevitably followed by extremely fierce even brutal competition." According to his judgment, before 2030, competition in China's auto market will still be in a white-hot stage. Changan Automobile is confident to be among those 20+ brands and can persist in walking for a long time, and this requires enterprises to build unique competitive advantages in brand power, product power, marketing power, and other aspects.

Conclusion

Tianshu Leading launch, redefined the marginal cost curve of intelligent driving with full-stack self-research and scale effect; Qiyuan Q06, with a pre-sale price starting from 147,900 RMB, reshaped the value anchor of intelligent driving models; Plus the Central SOE identity trust endorsement, management's control of industry rhythm, and constructed differentiated brand cognition, Changan is building a differentiated brand cognition system, every step is walked solidly and clearly.

Industry competition will only become more fierce, and Changan's answer sheet about the "Soul Theory" has been written clearly enough. This is not only a business choice for a car company to gain market recognition through technical self-research, but also a strategic layout for a new Central SOE to carry the banner of core technology independence and controllability in the automotive intelligence wave. From self-research and self-use to open empowerment, from the domestic market to the global stage, Changan's strategic layout ultimately points to the core discourse power of China's automotive industry in the global intelligent competition.

Facing an increasingly competitive new energy market, Changan Qiyuan maintained a steady rhythm in July: delivered 39,841 vehicles in July, AQ series increased by 103% year-on-year, continuously holding the top sales position among new energy vehicle brands of central state-owned enterprises. Together with brands such as Geely Galaxy and Leapmotor, it forms the backbone of the mainstream camp in China's new energy market.

The steady growth of Changan Qiyuan in July is the result of both product strength and user reputation. From the continuous hot sales of the main models of the Changan Qiyuan AQ series, to the global debut of the Changan Qiyuan Q06, to the Changan Qiyuan new Q05 accelerating towards the overseas market, the label of "SOE New Energy" is transforming from brand endorsement to a tangible quality perception in users' minds.

Global Flagship Product Changan Qiyuan New Q05 Leads, Champion Matrix Collaborates

As the first global flagship product of Changan Qiyuan, Changan Qiyuan new Q05 leverages "CATL Batteries, Premium Frame, Ultra-Comfort" and other cross-class advantages, cumulative sales exceeded 100,000 units, continuously leading the compact SUV sub-market. In overseas markets, after launching in Thailand and Uzbekistan, Changan Qiyuan new Q05 further landed in Ethiopia, accelerating the formation of an overseas layout linking Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and African markets.

While Changan Qiyuan new Q05 exerts global momentum, the AQ series saw a 103% year-on-year increase in July, forming a synergistic growth "Champion Matrix". Among them, Changan Qiyuan A06 is positioned as the "King of Fully-Configured New Energy Family Sedans", with cross-class configurations such as 145° Electric Zero-Pressure Rear Seat, 800V 6C Fast Charging, etc., holding the sales champion of medium-to-large new energy sedans within 200,000 RMB; Changan Qiyuan Q07 satisfies family travel needs with "Space King" strength, cumulative sales have exceeded 100,000 units since launch, maintaining leading position in the mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV market.

Changan Qiyuan Q06 Global Debut, Defining New Standards for Mid-size SUVs with "Flowing Light Aesthetics"

On July 15, the all-new mid-size SUV Changan Qiyuan Q06 completed its global debut in Shanghai. This model, led by the world-class design master Klaus team, breaks the traditional mid-size SUV dull impression with its unique "Flowing Light Aesthetics" design. Inside the cabin, the "Flowing Light into Cabin" concept creates a high-quality immersive space, integrating technology and comfort.

In the field of intelligent driving, Changan Qiyuan Q06 is equipped with the Tianshu Pilot Ultra Intelligent Driving System, possessing end-to-end urban pilot capabilities, making vehicle control closer to the driving texture of veteran drivers. The chassis adopts luxury-grade chassis suspension with all-aluminum front double wishbones + rear multi-link and the only dual-motor rear-wheel drive layout in the class, balancing comfort and driving fun.

Conclusion 

Steady sales and a complete product matrix form the core foundation of growth. In the future, Changan Qiyuan will continue to rely on the strength of Changan Automobile's central state-owned enterprise system, with a more competitive product matrix and global layout, to continuously meet users' expectations for high-quality new energy travel.

Facing a fiercely competitive new energy market, Changan Qiyuan maintained a steady pace in July: July deliveries reached 39,841 units, AQ series year-on-year growth reached 103%, consistently holding the top spot in sales of SOE new energy vehicle brands. Together with brands like Geely Galaxy and Leapmotor, it forms the backbone of the mainstream camp of China's new energy market.

Changan Qiyuan's sustained growth in July is the result of the combined effect of product strength and user reputation. From the continued strong sales of Changan Qiyuan AQ series main models, to the global debut of Changan Qiyuan Q06, to Changan Qiyuan's new Q05 accelerating towards the overseas market, the tag of "SOE New Energy" is changing from brand endorsement to tangible quality recognition in users' hearts.

Global Flagship Changan Qiyuan New Q05 Leads, Champion Matrix Synergizes

As Changan Qiyuan's first global flagship product, Changan Qiyuan New Q05 leverages "Full CATL Power, Premium Dimensions, Ultra Comfort" crossover advantages, with cumulative sales exceeding 100,000 units, continuously leading the compact SUV sub-market. In the overseas market, following launches in Thailand and Uzbekistan, Changan Qiyuan New Q05 further landed in Ethiopia, accelerating the overseas formation of Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Africa market linkages.

While Changan Qiyuan New Q05 exerts force globally, the AQ series increased by 103% year-on-year in July, forming a synergistic growth "Champion Matrix". Among them, Changan Qiyuan A06 is positioned as the "New Energy Family Sedan Fully Loaded King", with crossover configurations such as 145° Electric Zero-Pressure Rear Seat, 800V 6C Fast Charging, etc., consistently holding the sales champion position for mid-to-large new energy sedans within 200,000; Changan Qiyuan Q07 satisfies family user travel needs with the strength of "Space King", cumulative sales have exceeded 100,000 units since launch, maintaining leadership in the mid-size PHEV SUV market.

Changan Qiyuan Q06 Global Debut, Defining New Standards for Mid-size SUVs with "Flowing Light Aesthetics"

On July 15, the brand-new mid-size SUV Changan Qiyuan Q06 completed its global debut in Shanghai. This model, led by the team of world-renowned design master Klaus, broke the traditional dull impression of mid-size SUVs with its original "Flowing Light Aesthetics" design. Inside the cabin, the concept of "Flowing Light Entering Cabin" creates a high-quality immersive space, integrating technology and comfort.

In the field of intelligent driving, Changan Qiyuan Q06 is equipped with the Tianshu Pilot Ultra Intelligent Driving System, possessing end-to-end city pilot capabilities, making vehicle control closer to the driving feel of experienced drivers. The chassis adopts a luxury car-level chassis suspension with all-aluminum front double wishbones + rear five-link, and the dual-motor rear-drive layout unique to its class, balancing comfort and driving fun.

Conclusion

Steady sales and a perfect product matrix constitute the core foundation of growth. In the future, Changan Qiyuan will continue to rely on Changan Automobile's SOE system strength, with a more competitive product matrix and global layout, continuously meeting users' expectations for high-quality new energy travel.

July 15, Changan Qiyuan held an event named "Global Design Showcase" in Shanghai, where its new model Q06 made its public debut. No price was announced, nor did pre-sales start; instead, it focused solely on one thing—design.

While most brands are busy piling up parameters at press conferences, Qiyuan chose to take an SUV that is not yet on the market to the design exhibition stage for a "solo walk," indicating that what Q06 wants to fight is a battle about aesthetics.And its confidence comes from a person's name: Klaus Zyciora.

Klaus Zyciora, former Head of Global Design at Volkswagen Group, core designer for Volkswagen and Porsche brands, a figure who once led the design of classic models such as Golf, Bugatti Veyron, and Volkswagen ID. Series. Since joining Changan Automobile as Vice President in October 2023, Q06 is his first mass-produced work targeting the mainstream market.

International Design Master "Enters China" Focused on Leading Changan Qiyuan

From a product level, Q06 indeed presented some design elements worth discussing.

With a length of 4837mm, a width of 1970mm, and a wheelbase of 2940mm, Q06 has already crossed the boundary of traditional compact SUVs in size, but the height of 1670mm is deliberately lowered, forming a visual proportion close to a Coupé SUV.

The 0.27Cd drag coefficient is excellent at the same level, indicating that the synergy between造型 design and engineering development is in place. In terms of proportion, the Klaus team is seriously working on a family SUV with a "sporty stance."

In addition, Qiyuan proposed a design language called "Flowing Light Aesthetics" for Q06.The beltline-less design kept the side of the car with a high level of purity, the full wheel arches shaped out the sense of power, and there were no extra decorative lines to interrupt the integrity of the body surfaces.

This "subtractive design" approach is common in luxury brands above 300,000 yuan, but in the price range of 150,000 yuan, it indeed belongs to a minority.

The interior part can better reflect the design team's intention.

All sharp edges are processed into rounded surfaces similar to pebbles, the 90.6% soft material coverage rate of the whole car, the 15.6-inch ceiling-mounted screen, and the独创 "Light Rail Piercing Building" electric sunshade are integrated on the same plane, indicating that in the two and a half years since Klaus joined, he has indeed made a fairly deep intervention in Changan's design specifications and supply chain coordination.

And in terms of underlying mechanical quality, Q06 synchronized the debut of Changan's self-developed Tianzhu Leading Ultra Intelligent Driving System, equipped with a front double wishbone aluminum suspension plus a rear five-link suspension and a dual-motor rear-wheel-drive layout that is rare in its class.

Changan Automobile Executive Vice President Yang Dayong described Q06 as a challenge to the "Impossible Triangle," meaning seeking a balance between造型, space, and handling.This is also the core value anchor Q06 is seeking for itself.

Iterating Looks into "Productivity"; Qiyuan Q06 Aims to Break the Situation

Returning to the brand level, the mission carried by Q06 has become much more complex.

From the data perspective, since Changan Qiyuan was launched in August 2023, less than three years have passed, with cumulative sales about to break 500,000 units. In the first half of 2026, deliveries exceeded 170,000 units, the AQ Series increased by 102.6% year-on-year, and the all-new Q05 has been the compact pure electric SUV sales champion for consecutive months.

However, on the other hand, its high-end product E07 sold only 802 units in the entire year of 2025, and cumulative deliveries in the first four months of 2026 were less than 200 units, almost negligible; the volume-selling Lumin Series contributed considerable figures, but prices were concentrated in the range of 30,000 to 60,000 yuan, which offers quite limited support for brand premium.

Against this background, Qiyuan chose to make Q06 focus on the design route, which is actually doing something risky but logically consistent:

In terms of price, they cannot compete with BYD; in terms of channel density, they cannot catch up with Geely Galaxy; in terms of brand volume, they cannot reach the top new forces for now. So establishing differentiated aesthetic cognition will become one of the few directions that can "move a thousand pounds with four taels".

Therefore, Klaus's joining, the design center synergy system spanning four places of China, Italy, Japan, and Germany, and the team scale covering over 900 designers in 39 countries, gave Qiyuan the capital to tell this story.

Whether these resources can be converted into end consumers' purchase decisions depends on the pricing and market performance after Q06 officially launches in September.

If it can gain a batch of loyal users in the red ocean market of compact SUVs based on design distinctiveness, then "good looks can help mainstream brands jump out of homogenized competition" will have a credible case.

Finally, there is one more point worth special attention. The all-new Q05 has already achieved a start of over 3,000 orders in three days since its launch in Thailand, while Q06 has been defined as a "global aesthetic flagship product" from the project start. Klaus's own international background and the configuration of the multicultural design team also point to this goal.

Looking at it from the background of going global, the distinctiveness and cultural penetration power of the design language might become a more effective competitive barrier than piling up parameters.After all, for overseas consumers, Chinese brands' 800V fast charging and LiDAR are not new, but a design language with distinctiveness is still a scarce item.