Changan signed a strategic partnership with the Portuguese Football Federation on Friday, becoming the official global partner of Portugal's national football team as the Chinese automaker ramps up its long-term push into the European and global market.

"In football, staying 'in the game' means total commitment – to every tackle, every second of concentration, and every precise pass", said Mi Mengdong, vice-president of Changan Automobile.

"For Changan, it means continuous investment, relentless innovation, and standing firmly with our users. The Portuguese team has spent a century defining resilience. Changan has spent 45 years proving the power of long-termism. This is not sponsorship – it is true resonance," Mi added.

Changan handed over a Deepal S05 plug-in hybrid SUV to FPF leadership at the event.

The automaker also kicked off a 1,000-kilometer cross-Europe test drive program. The route will span from Lisbon to Madrid to Turin, showcasing Changan's PHEV capabilities through real-world testing across diverse road and climate conditions.

"This partnership with Changan Automobile reflects the growing international relevance of Portuguese football and the values that define our Federation: ambition, innovation, resilience, and excellence. We are proud to join forces with a global brand that shares our long-term vision and commitment to continuous development, both on and off the pitch," said an FPF commercial official.

Europe serves as a core strategic market under Changan's "Vast Ocean Plan" for global expansion.

The FPF partnership will support the automaker's localized product iteration, brand penetration and market operation across Europe, further elevating the brand's global influence.

Changan will leverage the cooperation to promote its advanced new energy vehicles in the European market, covering the Nevo Q05 series, Deepal S05 and S07 SUVs, as well as the premium intelligent electric vehicle brand Avatr's flagship models — the Avatr 11 luxury SUV and Avatr 12 four-door coupe.