Chongqing Chang’an Automobile, Mazda’s JV plan still subject to regulatory approval

A “Changan” sedan numbered CAF7163 has been included in the new vehicle list from Changan Ford Mazda Automobile, a joint venture between China’s Chang'an Automobile Group, US-based Ford Motor Company and Japan’s Mazda, according to the 234th new car catalogue recently released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

A spokesperson for Chang’an Automobile said that the model had been independently developed by Chang’an Automobile and Mazda but was included in Changan Ford Mazda’s new car list as the carmaker’s joint venture plan with Mazda is still subject to Chinese regulatory approval.

He Miao, manager of Public Relations at Mazda China, recently said that while the company is awaiting the approval of its JV plan with Chang’an Automobile, the operations of the two carmakers have not been impacted by the slow approval process.

An insider at Chang’an Automobile said that the launch of the “Changan” sedan represents a part of Chang’an Automobile and Mazda’s efforts to secure regulatory approval to form a JV in China as newly established automobile joint ventures in the country are required to produce its proprietary vehicles according to the joint venture policy put in place by the central government for the automotive industry.

Sources said that besides the “Changan” sedan, the Mazda CX-5 SUV will be introduced into the Chinese market in the autumn of this year and be sold through Chang’an Automobile and Mazda’s independent marketing network. In addition, the SUV will be locally produced at Changan Ford Mazda’s Nanjing facility, which will also become the production base of the JV to be established between Chang’an Automobile and Mazda after receiving regulatory approval.