New Esri Press Book Shows That GIS Can Transform the Entire Campus, Starting at the Classroom

 The Spatial Edge Reveals How Spatial Thinking Drives Innovation, Efficiency, and Collaboration Across Higher Education 

Esri releases The Spatial Edge, a new book demonstrating how GIS technology unifies academic and operational functions across higher education institutions.

The book highlights how universities use spatial thinking to enhance teaching, advance interdisciplinary research, and improve campus planning and operations across departments.

Through real-world case studies, The Spatial Edge shows how GIS strengthens decision-making, connects disciplines, and supports institutions in solving complex campus and community challenges.

Designed for administrators and educators, the guide emphasizes workforce readiness by equipping graduates with in-demand geospatial skills across diverse industries.

 

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Esri has released The Spatial Edge: The Strategic Advantage of GIS Skills Across Higher Education, a practical and accessible guide that demonstrates how geographic information system (GIS) technology can unify campuses academically and operationally.

While GIS is often associated with disciplines such as geography, planning, and environmental studies, The Spatial Edge expands that view through real-world case examples. The book shows how spatial thinking can connect departments; strengthen decision-making; and help institutions address complex challenges across teaching, research, and campus operations.

Designed for administrators, educators, and campus leaders, the guide highlights GIS being used across higher education to:

Enhance teaching and student engagement

Advance interdisciplinary research

Improve campus planning and operations

Strengthen community partnerships

Prepare graduates with in-demand geospatial skills

From the classroom to facilities management, The Spatial Edge illustrates how taking a geographic approach creates shared understanding and drives better outcomes across institutions.

This book demonstrates that GIS can bring campuses together by bridging disciplines, improving operations, and helping higher education organizations respond proactively to today’s challenges.

About the Authors:

Thomas Fisher is director of the Minnesota Design Center and Dayton Hudson Chair in Urban Design. A widely published author and educator, he has written extensively on design, practice, and ethics.

Len Kne is director of the U-Spatial Center at the University of Minnesota, supporting geospatial work across more than 150 departments. He brings deep experience in GIS across academia, government, and industry.

The Spatial Edge: The Strategic Advantage of GIS Skills Across Higher Education is available in paperback (ISBN: 9781589488953, US$24.99), and as an ebook (ISBN: 9781589488977, US$24.99). This book can be obtained from most online retailers worldwide. Interested retailers can contact Esri Press book distributor Ingram Publisher Services.

About Esri

Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in hundreds of thousands of organizations globally, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial technology and analytics, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions that leverage a geographic approach to solving some of the world’s most complex problems by placing them in the crucial context of location. Visit us at esri.com.

Copyright © 2026 Esri. All rights reserved. Esri, the Esri Globe and Frame logos, The Science of Where, esri.com, and @esri.com are trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of Esri in the United States, the European Union, or certain other jurisdictions. Other companies and products or services mentioned herein may be trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of their respective mark owners.

 

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Elliptic Announces Circle’s Participation in Agentic Design Partner Program

 Following investment from Circle Ventures, the corporate venture arm of Circle

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Elliptic, the global leader in digital asset intelligence, today announced that an affiliate of Circle Internet Group, Inc. (‘Circle’) (NYSE:CRCL) has joined its Agentic Design Partner Program, bringing together infrastructure providers, compliance teams, and technology leaders to help shape compliance solutions for autonomous, AI-driven financial activity.

This momentum follows an investment from Circle Ventures, the corporate venture arm of Circle, and builds on a longstanding collaboration between the companies. Circle has been an Elliptic customer for multiple years and has expanded its use of Elliptic’s compliance capabilities across a range of digital asset initiatives.

As stablecoins, tokenized assets, and AI-powered applications become increasingly integrated into financial services, new compliance challenges are emerging. Elliptic’s agentic compliance layer addresses these challenges by combining unique datasets, a scalable query platform and a set of agents that can detect and process alerts at the speed of AI. These capabilities are designed to help organizations maintain auditable, compliance-ready oversight as autonomous systems increasingly participate in financial activity.

The Agentic Design Partner Program reflects how Elliptic builds agentic compliance solutions. Elliptic believes agentic AI in regulated industries cannot be designed in isolation and must be built continuously with the compliance teams who operate it because the transaction patterns, behavioral signals and failure modes of autonomous agents have no equivalent in human-paced finance. Agentic Design partners can contribute real alert volumes, live transaction data and production-scale edge cases. In return, they help shape Elliptic's roadmap, get first access to new capabilities and help define the standard before the rest of the market catches up.

Circle’s participation in the Agentic Design Partner Program provides Elliptic with operational insights and real-world feedback as it develops solutions for emerging onchain financial workflows.

“As autonomous systems increasingly participate in financial activity, compliance and risk management must evolve alongside them. We’re excited to support Elliptic as they develop infrastructure designed to help enterprises navigate these emerging challenges and build more confidently in an increasingly autonomous onchain economy.” - Brian Schultz, Vice President of Corporate Development and Ventures at Circle.

"The compliance challenge for agentic on-chain finance is not theoretical. It is being solved right now, by the teams building the infrastructure. Other vendors in this space are now claiming agentic compliance. The difference is where you build it. We are building with Circle from inside the infrastructure agents will run on, not shipping a product from the outside and hoping it fits. Circle’s participation in our Agentic Design Partner Program and Circle Ventures’ investment reinforce the importance of building agentic compliance infrastructure from within the systems and workflows these applications will rely on." Simone Maini, CEO, Elliptic

About Elliptic

Elliptic is the leader in digital asset decisioning, we have built the most comprehensive platform for efficiently extracting cryptoasset data and intelligence across blockchains with the greatest accuracy.

Our platform’s unrivalled uptime, scalability, depth and breadth of our data and intelligence means exacting organizations choose Elliptic for their compliance, risk management, intelligence operations and blockchain infrastructure needs.

Founded in 2013, Elliptic is headquartered in London with offices in New York, Washington D.C., Miami, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. To learn more, visit www.elliptic.co and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

 

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Media Contact

Rachel Matthews

Global Marketing and Communications Director, Elliptic

rachel.matthews@elliptic.co

FIFA World Cup™ Fans Embrace Referee View as Lenovo AI Brings Viewers Closer to the Pitch

 91% of fans say the new broadcast technology has made the FIFA World Cup 2026™ viewing experience more dynamic

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- New international research from Lenovo reveals that technological advancements are fundamentally changing how fans experience the FIFA World Cup 2026™, making viewers feel closer to the action than ever before.

According to a survey of football fans across Australia, Canada, India, U.K., U.S., 87% say technology is improving their viewing experience, and 84% report the close-to-action camera perspectives help them feel like they're right there on the pitch.

Accelerating this unprecedented view of the game is Referee View, powered by Lenovo AI that gives viewers a first-person look at the match from the referee’s point of view.

The research further found:

Over three-quarters (76%) of FIFA World Cup™ viewers have seen or heard about Referee View, and 91% say the close-to-action perspective is appealing.

88% say that smooth, stable footage is an important part of viewing sports footage, and nearly all fans (98%) say clear picture quality has been important when watching this FIFA World Cup™.

Fans are highly interested in the future of close-to-the-action viewing, with 91% interested in seeing more technology that creates immersive or close-to-action live sports experiences.

“The introduction of Referee View with Lenovo AI image stabilization has further improved the broadcast experience. Getting a steady, first-person view of critical field decisions brings an incredible level of drama and transparency to the screen,” said a Female, Gen X survey respondent based in India.

AI Bringing Fans Onto the Pitch

Referee View, which has featured on average three times per match across the tournament in over 220 territories worldwide according to preliminary FIFA data, gives FIFA World Cup™ viewers a first-person perspective from the center of the action through a lightweight camera mounted on the match official. While the raw footage is fast-moving and sometimes unstable, Lenovo's AI-powered video analytics platform automatically transforms it into smooth, broadcast-quality video in real time.

The platform reduces camera jitter by up to 60%, creating a stable viewing experience while preserving the speed and intensity of the match.

"Referee View is giving fans a perspective that's never before been possible, just in time for the world's biggest sporting event," said Art Hu, Chief Information Officer, Lenovo and Chief Technology & Delivery Officer, Solutions and Services Group. "By combining AI with advanced video analytics, we're transforming fast-moving footage into a seamless broadcast experience. Building on Lenovo's work in F1, where cameras operate in some of sport's toughest conditions, we're applying that expertise at the World Cup to help make a referee's point of view broadcast-ready in real time."

The enthusiasm for this technology extends beyond fans. Broadcasters are embracing Referee View to deliver moments that matter most to their viewers — from goals to player interactions, walkouts and other high-intensity moments — bringing audiences into the center of the action.

As FIFA's Official Technology Partner, Lenovo is delivering AI-powered innovations across the tournament that support fans, players, coaches and tournament operations. In addition to Referee View, these include AI-enabled 3D player avatars, the FIFA AI Pro platform and an intelligent command center.

Learn more about Referee View and AI innovation at the FIFA World Cup™ on Lenovo StoryHub and visit Lenovo.com/FIFA to explore all of the technology behind the tournament.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$83 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Guided by its vision of “Smarter Technology for All”, Lenovo is executing a Hybrid AI strategy that spans Personal AI – one personal AI, multiple devices; and Enterprise AI – helping customers turn data into insights and value. This strategy is delivered through the Group’s commitment to world-class innovation and a full-stack AI portfolio, including devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets, accessories), infrastructure solutions (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), as well as software, solutions, and services. With a global footprint spanning more than 20 research and development locations and a global supply chain that includes more than 30 manufacturing sites across 10 markets, Lenovo is widely recognized for its operational excellence. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). Learn more at www.lenovo.com and follow the latest news in our newsroom.

About the study

Online survey conducted June 24–27, 2026, among 2,514 adults 18+ across the U.S. (n=502), U.K. (n=500), Canada (n=501), India (n=508) and Australia (n=503) who have watched this year’s World Cup, including match coverage, highlights, clips, recaps or video content. Overall margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level; market-level margins are higher.

 

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Jack Tarrant

jtarrant@lenovo.com

 

Bitget Wallet Hits 100M Users — and Payments Just Overtook Trading

 

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador - Tuesday, 07. July 2026

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget Wallet, a self-custodial crypto wallet for everyday finance, announced it has surpassed 100 million users globally, and that for the first time in the platform's history, daily payment users now outnumber traders. More than half of those users are based in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where people are increasingly using crypto wallets as global stablecoin accounts to save, get paid, and spend locally, rather than to trade.

That shift shows up in the data. Bitget Wallet Cards issued have surpassed 150,000 worldwide, available across 50+ markets and spendable at 150M+ merchants. Global card spending reached $31M in the first half of 2026, a 191% increase from H2 2025. In emerging markets specifically, card spend grew by 416% in the same period, showing that financial habits are forming faster in these regions than the global average. Globally, card users averaged 10 payments per month at an average transaction size of $28, consistent with everyday purchases at a frequency that reflects payment as routine. Active cardholders in the US, Europe, and Asia average between 10 and 14 swipes a month — on par with how often consumers use a debit card — while emerging markets like LatAm are catching up fast from a lower base.

The conditions driving it are structural, and specific. In Nigeria, the official naira lost over 40% of its value against the dollar in 2024; in Argentina, the peso lost a comparable share. Conventional remittance corridors into these markets still charge 5–8% per transfer on average. At the same time, both countries are among Bitget Wallet's fastest-growing markets — a direct connection between local currency instability and demand for a stable, low-cost, borderless account. In Southeast Asia and South Asia, the platform's two largest user regions, mobile-first payment infrastructure already exists; Bitget Wallet's QR payments and bank transfer rails plug into habits that are already formed.

"The next wave of users in these markets doesn't think of this as crypto," said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. "They have a balance in dollars, they spend it, they get paid into it, and they move it across borders. The account just happens to be onchain. What the data is showing us is that this is becoming routine, and what starts as routine in these markets tends to define what global finance looks like next." In a COO letter published, Kan reflects on the turning points that shaped the platform over the past eight years.

Eight years ago, Bitget Wallet launched as a trading tool for crypto natives. In the last two years, the product was substantially rebuilt around a different use case: the infrastructure that today spans card issuance across 50+ markets, QR payment rails across Southeast Asia and LatAm, and direct bank integrations serving users in Nigeria, Mexico, and Bangladesh didn't exist at the last major milestone. The Onchain Payments Matrix, the settlement infrastructure behind these flows, now spans 80+ payment rails across 100+ currencies and has settled more than $177 billion in stablecoin volume.

More insights and the full data report can be found on the Bitget Wallet blog.

About Bitget Wallet
Bitget Wallet is a self-custodial crypto wallet built for everyday finance. Since 2018, it has given 100M+ users worldwide an onchain account to save, spend, and invest in crypto, supporting 1M+ tokens across 130+ blockchains, 100+ fiat currencies, Visa/Mastercard crypto cards, and localized payment methods. Its security is backed by industry-standard key encryption, a real-time risk engine, independent audits, and a US$300M+ user protection fund. In 2022, Bitget Wallet raised a US$100M funding round led by Dragonfly. For media information, visit web3.bitget.com.

X | Telegram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook
For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Cryptocurrencies are subject to high market risk and volatility. No profit is guaranteed. You are strongly advised to conduct own research before investing at your own discretion. Nothing on this page shall be construed as financial advice or solicitation. Past performance does not indicate future results.

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Bitget Upgrades Institutional Trading Framework to Power the Next Phase of Multi-Asset Markets

 

VICTORIA, Seychelles, - Tuesday, 07. July 2026

 

 

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has introduced an upgraded institutional pricing framework for its PRO and Liquidity Incentive Programs, enhancing trading costs, liquidity incentives, and market structure across crypto and traditional financial markets. Effective June 30, the update introduces a more sophisticated fee model designed to better support institutional traders, market makers, and liquidity providers participating across an increasingly diverse range of assets.

As institutional participation expands beyond major crypto into tokenized real world assets, exchanges are increasingly required to support different liquidity dynamics across different markets. Bitget's latest upgrade reflects this evolution through a more granular pricing structure that aligns incentives with the characteristics of each market while improving execution quality across the platform.

"Markets are becoming increasingly connected, and institutions are adapting to that reality," said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget. "They're focused on where they can deploy capital most efficiently, not whether an opportunity sits in crypto or traditional finance. Our job is to build the infrastructure that makes moving between those markets feel seamless."

A central feature of the upgrade is a revised market grouping framework. In spot markets, trading pairs are divided into two groups: Group A for top trading pairs such as BTCUSDT, XAUTUSDT, SOLUSDT, and other major assets, and Group B for all other spot trading pairs, including newly listed spot pairs. In futures markets, the structure expands to three groups: Group A for top crypto futures pairs, Group B for other crypto futures pairs and newly listed crypto futures, and Group C for TradFi futures, covering stock, precious metal, commodity, and index futures.

For institutional traders, the update introduces tiered taker pricing within the Bitget PRO program, creating a more transparent cost structure based on trading activity. For liquidity providers, Bitget has strengthened incentives for long-tail markets by increasing spot maker rebates on selected trading pairs fr0m 1.2 basis points to 1.5 basis points, while futures maker rebates on selected long-tail contracts have increased fr0m 0.8 basis points to 1.0 basis point. The platform also maintains its industry-leading 0.65 basis point taker fee for TradFi futures, including tokenized stock, commodity, and precious metal contracts.

Beyond pricing, the revised framework introduces updated market-making assessment methodologies and weighted liquidity metrics that place greater emphasis on supporting emerging markets while maintaining deep liquidity across flagship assets. The result is a more balanced incentive structure that rewards meaningful liquidity contributions across the full breadth of Bitget's multi-asset ecosystem.

The update builds on Bitget's continued investment in institutional infrastructure following recent expansions across tokenized stocks and equity offerings. As the Universal Exchange continues bringing together crypto, tokenized assets, and traditional financial markets within a single trading environment, Bitget is developing the execution, liquidity and pricing infrastructure required to support the next generation of institutional trading.

For more information and the full list of pairs, visit here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships such as MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

For more information, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com 

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

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Changan accueille des représentants des médias et des concessionnaires sud-africains en Chine pour une visite immersive de ses sites de production et de R&D

 

JOHANNESBURG, Afrique du Sud - mercredi, 08. juillet 2026

 

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dans le cadre de son « Africa Media China Tour », Changan Automobile a accueilli 10 représentants majeurs des médias et des concessionnaires sud-africains dans ses installations mondiales de R&D et de fabrication intelligente en Chine. Ce programme a permis de découvrir en détail les capacités de Changan en matière d’innovation, de fabrication intelligente, de sécurité automobile et de technologies liées aux énergies nouvelles, renforçant ainsi la compréhension internationale de la puissance technologique de la marque et de sa vision à long terme.

Lors de l’accueil de la délégation, M. Yang Mingjie a souligné l’importance stratégique de la région Moyen-Orient et Afrique dans la feuille de route de développement mondial de Changan.

« L’Afrique du Sud est l’un des principaux marchés stratégiques de Changan en Afrique, et nous nous engageons à établir des partenariats à long terme avec les clients, les médias et les concessionnaires locaux. Grâce à cette visite, nous espérons que nos invités pourront découvrir par eux-mêmes les capacités technologiques de Changan, la puissance de son système de fabrication intelligente, ainsi que son engagement indéfectible en faveur de la qualité et de la sécurité. »
— Yang Mingjie, directeur général adjoint de la division Moyen-Orient et Afrique de Changan Automobile

Il a ajouté que Changan accélérait son développement local au Moyen-Orient et en Afrique en introduisant une gamme plus large de véhicules intelligents et à énergies nouvelles, tout en renforçant continuellement ses produits, ses services et l’expérience client à l’échelle locale.

La délégation a commencé sa visite par l’usine de fabrication n° 2 de Changan, où elle a découvert les ateliers d’emboutissage, de soudage et d’assemblage final. En observant ces processus de production hautement automatisés et numérisés, les hôtes ont pu se faire une idée précise des capacités de fabrication intelligente de Changan, de son efficacité opérationnelle et de son système de gestion de la qualité intégré à l’échelle mondiale.

Le groupe s’est ensuite rendu au parc technologique de Changan, qui abrite le laboratoire intelligent SDA, le centre mondial de R&D et le laboratoire d’essais de collision, où il a assisté à un crash-test complet. Les procédures de test rigoureuses ont mis en lumière l’engagement de longue date de Changan en faveur d’une ingénierie axée sur la sécurité, ainsi que ses investissements continus visant à proposer des solutions de mobilité plus sûres et de meilleure qualité à ses clients à travers le monde.

Au cours de la séance d’essais routiers, les participants ont pu tester plusieurs modèles internationaux. Qu’il s’agisse de capacités tout-terrain, de mobilité urbaine ou de performances de conduite électrique, les véhicules ont démontré la diversité de la gamme de produits et la puissance de l’ingénierie de Changan. Les hôtes ont salué la dynamique de conduite, le confort et la polyvalence de ces modèles dans des conditions de route variées, témoignant de leur adéquation aux divers marchés mondiaux.

À l’issue de l’essai routier, Brian Kayavu a partagé ses impressions :

« Ce que je peux dire de Changan, c’est que ses produits et ses installations sont de premier ordre. Le centre d’essais, où sont validés tous les nouveaux véhicules, est très impressionnant, et le centre technologique que nous avons visité est l’un des meilleurs, sinon le meilleur au monde. »
— Brian Kayavu, journaliste du magazine automobile sud-africain Driven

Il a ajouté que de nombreux consommateurs étrangers ne mesuraient peut-être pas encore l’ampleur de la coopération internationale et de l’héritage technologique de Changan. Il s’est dit confiant quant au développement futur de la marque et s’est réjoui à l’idée de voir arriver davantage de produits Changan sur le marché sud-africain.

Lors de l’événement, le Dr Yan Bowen, responsable R&D en technologies hybrides chez Changan Automobile, a présenté un exposé technique des technologies hybrides développées en interne par l’entreprise, en mettant en lumière les récentes avancées en matière d’efficacité des systèmes, de fiabilité et d’innovation au cœur du groupe motopropulseur. Cette session a souligné l’engagement continu de Changan à faire progresser les technologies d’électrification pour les marchés mondiaux.

Chelsea Pinto a déclaré que cette visite lui avait permis de découvrir concrètement les capacités mondiales de R&D de Changan, son système de fabrication intelligent et son futur portefeuille de produits.

« Cette visite à Chongqing a été une expérience incroyable. Nous avons pu découvrir les sites de production et les centres R&D de Changan, ce qui nous a permis de mieux comprendre les technologies et les innovations de la marque. De nombreux consommateurs sud-africains ne sont pas encore pleinement conscients des remarquables avancées technologiques et de la portée mondiale de Changan. »
— Chelsea Pinto, directrice générale du marketing et des produits chez Changan Afrique du Sud

Elle a ajouté que la future gamme de produits suscitait une grande confiance au sein de l’équipe sud-africaine.

L’« Africa Media China Tour » a renforcé les liens entre Changan Automobile et ses partenaires internationaux, tout en mettant en avant les atouts majeurs de l’entreprise en matière de R&D mondiale, de fabrication intelligente, de sécurité des véhicules et de technologies liées aux énergies nouvelles. À l’avenir, Changan entend poursuivre ses efforts d’innovation technologique tout en privilégiant un développement adapté aux spécificités locales afin d’offrir des solutions de mobilité plus intelligentes, plus sûres et plus durables à la région Moyen-Orient et Afrique.

Contact :
Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd.
E-mail : global@changan.com.cn

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Changan Welcomes South African Media and Dealers to China for an Immersive R&D and Manufacturing Tour

 

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Monday, 06. July 2026

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Changan Automobile recently hosted its Africa Media China Tour, welcoming 10 key South African media representatives and dealers to its global R&D and intelligent manufacturing facilities in China. The program provided an in-depth look at Changan's capabilities in innovation, intelligent manufacturing, vehicle safety and new energy technologies, further strengthening international understanding of the brand's technological strength and long-term development vision.

Welcoming the delegation, MR.Yang Mingjie emphasized the strategic importance of the Middle East and Africa region in Changan's global development roadmap.

"South Africa is one of Changan's key strategic markets in Africa, and we are committed to building long-term partnerships with local customers, media and dealer partners. Through this visit, we hope our guests can experience firsthand Changan's technological capabilities, intelligent manufacturing strength and unwavering commitment to quality and safety."
— Yang Mingjie, Deputy General Manager, Changan Automobile Middle East and Africa Business Unit

He added that Changan is accelerating its localized development across the Middle East and Africa by introducing a broader portfolio of intelligent and new energy vehicles while continuously strengthening localized products, services and customer experience.

The delegation began its visit at Changan's No.2 Manufacturing Plant, touring the stamping, welding and final assembly workshops. Witnessing highly automated and digitalized production processes firsthand, guests gained a comprehensive understanding of Changan's intelligent manufacturing capabilities, operational efficiency and globally integrated quality management system.

The group then visited Changan's Technology Park, including the SDA Intelligent Laboratory, Global R&D Center and Crash Test Laboratory, where they observed a full vehicle crash test. The rigorous testing procedures highlighted Changan's long-standing commitment to safety-driven engineering and its continuous investment in delivering safer, higher-quality mobility solutions for global customers.

During the vehicle test drive session, participants experienced several global models, from off-road capability and urban mobility to electrified driving performance, the vehicles demonstrated Changan's diversified product portfolio and engineering strengths. Guests spoke highly of the models' driving dynamics, comfort and adaptability across a wide range of road conditions, reflecting their suitability for diverse global markets.

Brian Kayavu, shared his impressions after the test drive:

"What I can say about Changan is that its products and facilities are top-notch. The testing center, where all the new vehicles are validated, is highly impressive, and the technology center we visited is one of the best—if not the best—in the world."
— Brian Kayavu, Journalist at South African automotive magazine Driven

Brian added that many overseas consumers may not yet realize the breadth of Changan's global cooperation and technological heritage. He expressed confidence in the brand's future development and looked forward to seeing more Changan products introduced to the South African market.

During the event, Dr. Yan Bowen, Head of HEV Technology R&D at Changan Automobile, delivered a technical presentation on the company's self-developed hybrid technologies, highlighting recent achievements in system efficiency, reliability and core powertrain innovation. The session underscored Changan's ongoing commitment to advancing electrification technologies for global markets.

Chelsea Pinto said the visit provided valuable first-hand insights into Changan's global R&D capabilities, intelligent manufacturing system and future product portfolio.

"Visiting Chongqing has been an incredible experience. We toured Changan's manufacturing facilities and R&D centers, gaining a much deeper understanding of the technologies and innovations behind the brand. Many South African consumers are not yet fully aware of Changan's remarkable technological development and global capabilities."
— Chelsea Pinto, General Manager of Marketing and Products at Changan South Africa

She added that the upcoming product lineup has generated strong confidence within the South African team.

The Africa Media China Tour further strengthened engagement between Changan Automobile and overseas partners, while showcasing the company's core strengths in global R&D, intelligent manufacturing, vehicle safety and new energy technologies. Looking ahead, Changan will continue to advance technology innovation alongside localized development, delivering smarter, safer and more sustainable mobility solutions to MEA region.

Contact information:
Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd.
E-mail: global@changan.com.cn

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/525907ba-675f-44ed-8d64-af7374b55042

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee9a62cb-b69e-4161-a6c1-06f75e7d0790

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3280757-dce2-4a5a-b5c1-838b37e22206

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f7ab63d-f7c2-4933-8658-8ffccdfb06af

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/80056f74-bbf7-40ce-bda6-2eba2fb75e59