Changan Mazda, the joint venture between Changan Automobile and Japanese carmaker Mazda, has announced a strategic partnership with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) to collaborate on the development of new energy vehicles (NEVs) utilizing CATL’s CIIC skateboard chassis technology.
The partnership aims to leverage CATL’s innovative skateboard chassis technology to accelerate Changan Mazda’s electrification strategy. The two companies recently signed a memorandum of understanding in Shanghai to collaborate on the creation of smarter and more efficient NEV products based on the CIIC chassis.
CATL’s CIIC skateboard chassis technology allows for the decoupling of the upper and lower bodies of a car, facilitating parallel development and enabling faster production of new vehicle models. The modular design of the chassis, along with standardized interfaces and software-hardware decoupling architecture, supports rapid adaptation of multiple vehicle models. This approach will significantly reduce the vehicle development cycle and enhance flexibility in responding to market demand.
The partnership between CATL and Changan Mazda will also focus on exploring the latest NEV technologies to drive the electrification transition of both companies. The CIIC skateboard chassis is a standard version developed by CATL, with the battery maker introducing a flagship variant called the Bedrock Chassis in December 2024.
Mazda, known for its traditional approach to the automotive market, has recently shown a renewed focus on electric vehicles in China. Changan Mazda introduced the EZ-6 sedan last October, offering both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) options. The company also unveiled its first NEV SUV, the EZ-60, last month.
The collaboration between CATL and Changan Mazda represents a significant step towards accelerating the electrification transition in the automotive industry. By leveraging advanced technology and innovative solutions, the two companies aim to drive the development of efficient and sustainable NEV products for the market.
