Changan enters UK market with BNP Paribas and Arval finance partnership

Chinese automotive manufacturer Changan has formally entered the UK market after signing a financial services partnership with BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval UK, the companies announced on Wednesday.

The agreement establishes a full suite of consumer and dealer finance products provided by BNP Paribas Personal Finance, supported by Arval UK’s fleet and contract management expertise. The “one-bank” model is designed to give Changan a competitive platform as it launches in one of Europe’s most crowded car markets.

To mark the move, Changan UK introduced its first domestic model, the Deepal S07, a fully electric SUV now available across 20 dealerships nationwide. The brand plans to double its retail footprint to 40 sites by the end of 2025.

The partnership supports Changan’s strategy to extend its global presence beyond its established operations in Asia and Europe, where it has grown over the past four decades. For BNP Paribas, the deal strengthens its network of collaborations with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aligns with its ambition to support partners across multiple markets.

Stephen Hunt, CEO of BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK, said the agreement reflects the growing momentum of the bank’s motor finance division.

“I am delighted to be expanding our portfolio of OEMs with this new partnership with Changan UK,” he said. “This partnership is further evidence of the power of collaboration between BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval UK … that supports our partners with solutions to help people purchase a new car through flexible and affordable instalments.”

Elliot Woodhead, Retail Director at Arval UK, said the companies’ joint capabilities would help accelerate Changan’s growth.

“The expansion in this partnership is further evidence of how the combined capabilities of BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval are providing an extensive range of solutions to support manufacturers and customers in the UK and across Europe,” he said.

Changan UK Managing Director Nic Thomas described the agreement as “a significant milestone” for the brand. “By combining our product line with BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK’s financial expertise … we are able to provide our dealers and customers with the confidence and flexibility they need to embrace the Changan brand,” he said. “This will give us the operational foundation to grow quickly and sustainably in the UK.”

The launch of the Deepal S07 and the new financial services partnership signal Changan’s intent to establish a long-term presence in the UK’s fast-evolving electric vehicle market.