Zhao Changjiang, former head of sales for BYD‘s premium Denza brand, has joined Luxeed, a new automotive venture backed by tech giant Huawei and automaker Chery. The announcement comes after Zhao left his position at Denza in October 2025 following a 16-year career with the company.
Zhao’s appointment as marketing general manager at Luxeed marks a significant shift for both him and the new brand, which aims to leverage Huawei’s technological expertise and Chery’s manufacturing capabilities. Local media outlet Jiemian reported on the move based on three unnamed sources, while Zhao confirmed he was still on a break without denying the report.
At Denza, Zhao played a crucial role in launching several models including the D9 MPV, which remains the brand’s primary sales model since its launch in August 2022. The D9 has been pivotal for Denza, with the company announcing it will celebrate reaching 300,000 unit deliveries by the end of November.
Denza’s rapid growth under Zhao’s leadership is notable: from 2022 to early 2025, the brand saw a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 40%, outperforming many competitors in China’s fast-growing electric vehicle market. This performance underscores Zhao’s strategic vision and execution skills.
Luxeed’s formation represents an innovative collaboration between tech and automotive sectors, aiming to challenge established players like BYD and Tesla in the premium EV segment. With Huawei contributing advanced technology solutions and Chery bringing manufacturing prowess, Luxeed is positioned to offer a unique blend of features and affordability.
The move by Zhao to join Luxeed highlights the dynamic nature of China’s auto industry, where partnerships between tech companies and traditional automakers are becoming increasingly common. As Luxeed prepares for its market entry, Zhao’s extensive experience in sales and marketing will be crucial in navigating this competitive landscape.
