Marshall Motor Group adds Changan to Essex dealership

Marshall Motor Group has entered a partnership with Chinese automaker Changan, establishing a new dealership at its Braintree site in Essex. The outlet will handle sales and after‑sales for Changan’s electric and hybrid range, expanding the group’s brand portfolio and offering dealers broader EV options.

Key takeaways

• Marshall Motor Group will represent Changan at its Braintree, Essex location.
• The dealership will sell and service Changan’s electric and hybrid models.
• Changan entered the UK market in September 2025 with the Deepal S07 SUV.
• The partnership expands dealer choice in the UK EV and hybrid segment.
• Changan runs an engineering and R&D centre in Birmingham.

Partnership details

The agreement allows Marshall to become the official UK dealer for Changan at the Braintree premises. Sales staff will be trained on the brand’s technology, and the service team will be equipped to maintain electric and hybrid powertrains.

Managing director Trevor Fussey said the deal adds a recognised global manufacturer to the group’s portfolio, giving customers more innovative, technology‑rich options as the market evolves.

Changan’s UK footprint

Changan first launched in the UK in September 2025, introducing the all‑electric Deepal S07 SUV. The brand is now scaling its presence, focusing on electric and hybrid vehicles to capture growing demand.

Beyond sales, Changan maintains an engineering and research centre in Birmingham, supporting local development and reinforcing its long‑term commitment to the British market.

Marshall Motor Group’s strategic intent

Marshall aims to broaden its brand portfolio to meet diverse customer expectations. Adding Changan aligns with the group’s focus on offering vehicles that combine value, performance and advanced technology.

The partnership also positions Marshall to benefit from Changan’s engineering reputation and its expanding UK dealer network, potentially attracting new buyer segments interested in affordable EVs and hybrids.

What this means for dealers

Dealers gain access to a new line of electric and hybrid models without developing their own supply chain, allowing quicker entry into the growing EV market. The Braintree site will serve as a showcase for how a UK dealer can integrate a Chinese EV brand.

Increased competition may prompt other dealer groups to seek similar partnerships, accelerating the overall diversification of vehicle choices available to British consumers.

Frequently asked questions

What models will be available through the new Changan dealership?

Initially the Braintree showroom will focus on Changan’s electric and hybrid range, including the Deepal S07 SUV and forthcoming plug‑in models that the manufacturer plans to roll out across the UK market.

How does the partnership affect existing dealer relationships in Essex?

The addition of Changan expands the portfolio rather than displacing existing brands. Existing dealers can benefit from shared facilities and service expertise, while customers gain more choice within the same dealership network.

When will the Braintree showroom be operational for customers?

Marshall Motor Group expects the Changan showroom and service bays to open to the public in early 2027, following staff training and the preparation of the site for electric‑vehicle servicing.