Chinese domestic auto brands experienced substantial growth in overseas sales during the first quarter of the year, indicating a strong performance in the world’s largest car market. According to Cui Dongshu, the secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, local auto brands collectively sold 470,000 units overseas, marking a significant 40% increase from the same period last year.
In total, including both local and foreign brands, China exported 1.32 million vehicles in the first quarter, reflecting a robust 23% growth year-on-year. This means that local brands accounted for 35.6% of China’s total auto exports during the period.
Among the top exporting Chinese automakers were SAIC, Chery, Great Wall Motor, and BYD. SAIC led the pack with 126,053 units sold overseas, followed by Chery with 117,719 units, Great Wall Motor with 77,935 units, and BYD with 51,138 units.
Newer entrants in the market such as Neta Auto, Xpeng, Nio, and Leapmotor also made a mark, with Neta Auto selling 2,985 units overseas, Xpeng selling 1,783 units, Nio selling 388 units, and Leapmotor selling 271 units in the first quarter.
In terms of overseas sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs), BYD, SAIC, Geely, and Great Wall Motor were the major contributors, collectively selling 47,238, 31,018, and 13,384 units overseas, respectively. The value of Chinese NEVs exported during this period reached $11.1 billion, up 18% from the previous year.
Europe and Asia emerged as the primary export destinations for China’s domestic carmakers, with 216,000 and 121,000 units sold respectively in the first quarter. South America and North America also showed promising figures, with 56,000 and 32,000 units sold respectively by local Chinese brands.