- Nominations reflect the breadth of Changan’s global design capabilities and the creative excellence behind the recently launched Deepal S07 model in the UK
United Kingdom, 11 November 2025: The global design team behind Changan Automobile, one of China’s largest and most influential automotive manufacturers, has been shortlisted in five major categories at the Car Design News (CDN) People Awards 2025, underscoring the company’s creative influence and design expertise on the world stage.
Founded 160 years ago, Changan has evolved from one of China’s earliest engineering pioneers into a global design-led automotive group which continues to attract world-class creative talent globally. Today, it’s established network of international design centres across Italy, Germany, China, Japan and is home to more than 1,000 designers.
Under the leadership of Klaus Zyciora, Vice President of Global Design and former Head of Design at the Volkswagen Group – the team blends cultural heritage with the latest innovative design principles – positioning the brand as a true global competitor in the evolving world of electric mobility.
Changan’s multidisciplinary design teams have been recognised across the following categories:
- Best Clay Modelling Team – celebrating craftsmanship in physical form development
- Best Studio Engineering Team – recognising innovation in digital-to-physical design
- Best Lighting Design Team – for expressive signature lighting integration
- Best Interior Design Team – recognising human-centred cabin architecture and design
- AI Explorer Award – for pioneering use of AI-assisted design workflows
Changan is also proud to sponsor the Unsung Hero Award category. This award recognises those who lead by example without seeking the spotlight.
Speaking about the nominations, Klaus Zyciora, commented:
“Design sits at the heart of how we are redefining the future of electric mobility. These nominations collectively showcase the breadth and calibre of Changan’s global design capabilities, as well as the creative excellence behind recent projects such as the Deepal S07, the brand’s latest electric model to launch in the UK."
“The strength of our integrated approach to design – merging traditional artistry with advanced technologies - creates vehicles that are both emotionally engaging and functionally intelligent.”
The Car Design News People Awards are among the most prestigious honours in the international automotive design calendar. Held annually, they celebrate both the individuals and teams behind the world’s most innovative vehicle designs, recognising creativity, collaboration and technical excellence across every discipline of the car design process.
Nic Thomas, UK Managing Director, said:
“These nominations are a testament to Changan’s unwavering commitment to design excellence and innovation. As we continue to grow our presence in the UK and Europe, it’s inspiring to see our global teams recognised in this way. British drivers have always appreciated great design, and we’re proud of our design accomplishments that seamlessly combine style, technological advancement and craftsmanship.”
The winners will be announced at the ceremony on 4 December in London – an event that brings together the world’s leading automotive designers, OEM executives and industry innovators.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Changan: Changan is one of the largest automotive groups in China with over 41 years of automotive manufacturing experience. The company is headquartered in Chongqing and has 39 plants worldwide and 21 manufacturing campuses. Changan has been producing passenger cars, pickup trucks and light commercial vehicles since 1984 and employs around 145,000 people worldwide. As a leading Chinese automobile manufacturer, Changan has its own brands such as CHANGAN, CHANGAN DEEPAL and AVATR as well as joint venture brands such as CHANGAN Ford, CHANGAN Mazda and JMC. Changan currently operates globally and exports products to over 103 countries and regions worldwide. Changan has been building its presence in Europe since 2001 with a design centre in Turin and a research and development centre in Birmingham. With the launch of its vehicles in Europe, Changan marked a new chapter in its international expansion in 2025.
Press contacts:
Melanie King
Head of PR, Changan UK: melanie.king@changanuk.com
Phil Borge-Slavnich & Susie Dullard
Woosah: ChanganUK@woosah.uk