(Yicai Global) Feb. 15 -- Avatr Technology, the high-end smart electric vehicle brand under Chinese carmaker Changan Automobile, has appointed a new senior executive vice president to help the firm hit its annual target for 100,000 orders.

Chen Zhuo will also help promote the firm’s major projects and key business operations alongside Chairman and Chief Executive Tan Benhong, the Chongqing-based carmaker, which is backed by Changan Auto and Huawei Technologies, announced yesterday.

Before joining Avatr, Chan held various positions at Changan Auto. Among other duties, he participated in and promoted the company’s business development in overseas markets.

Chen’s experience in many areas in the auto industry will help Avatr develop quickly and help its Avita brand reach a targeted 100,000 orders this year, Tan said.

Avatr said earlier this month that it had delivered more than 2,000 Avita 11 cars, the first model under the Avita brand co-developed with Huawei, since it began deliveries in December. Avatr plans to release a single-motor version of the Avita 11 and the E12, a new mid-to-long-range sedan, this year.

Founded in 2018, Avatr develops EV models based on the CHN architecture, a smart platform co-developed by Changan Auto, Huawei, and Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology that was launched at the annual Chongqing Auto Show last June.

With just over a 39 percent stake, Changan Auto is Avatr’s biggest shareholder. A consortium led by CATL is the second largest, with an almost 29 percent interest.

Editor: Futura Costaglione