China's automobile exports in 2024

With China's automobile production and sales ranking first in the world for 15 consecutive years, and new energy vehicle production and sales leading the world for 9 consecutive years, China's automobile exports have also achieved a breakthrough and become the world's largest automobile exporting country. Behind this is an increasing number of Chinese brand car companies with core competitiveness emerging on the international stage and actively participating in the global automotive market competition. According to data from the General Administration of Customs compiled by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China's total automobile exports exceeded 2 million vehicles for the first time in 2021, reaching 2.015 million vehicles, surpassing South Korea and ranking behind Japan and Germany; Among them, 310000 new energy vehicles were exported, a year-on-year increase of three times. In 2022, China's automobile exports reached 3.11 million units, a year-on-year increase of 54.4%, surpassing Germany to become the world's second largest automobile exporting country; The export volume of new energy vehicles has risen to 679000 units, a year-on-year increase of 1.2 times. In 2023, China's automobile exports will surpass two million level steps, reaching 5.22 million vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 57.4%, breaking Japan's seven-year record of being the world's largest automobile exporting country; The export of new energy vehicles in China has further climbed to 1.203 million units, a year-on-year increase of 77.6%. Since the beginning of this year, China's automobile exports have continued to maintain a good momentum, with an export volume of 3.773 million vehicles from January to August, a year-on-year increase of 28.3%. Among them, the export of new energy vehicles was 818000 units, a year-on-year increase of 12.6%. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers predicts that China's automobile exports will increase by another 600000 vehicles in 2024 on the basis of 2023.

China Automotive News has also compiled a list of China's automobile exports, which is now shared for your reference: Europe (excluding Russia): the key layout countries are Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Norway, Hungary, etc. In the first half of 2024, China's automobile export volume was about 512000 units, and the main overseas car companies are SAIC MG, Chery, BYD, Geely, Great Wall, Changan, etc. In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese brands have started to introduce electric vehicles to the European market, including NIO, Xiaopeng, Leapmotor, BYD, Chery, SAIC MG, Changan, Geely, Lantu, and others. Component companies such as CATL, Guoxuan High Tech, Honeycomb Energy, EVE Energy, and Yuanjing Power have all established factories in Europe. Africa: Key layout countries include South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, etc. In the first half of 2024, China's automobile exports reached 158000 units, with major overseas car companies including BYD, Geely, Great Wall Motors, China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle, and Beiqi Foton. In the first half of this year, China sent 158000 vehicles to Africa, a year-on-year increase of 53%. Among them, passenger cars and commercial vehicles each account for about half, with commercial vehicle companies represented by China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle, and Beiqi Foton, mainly concentrated in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia. In recent years, car companies such as BYD, Geely, Dongfeng, Great Wall Motors, Nezha, and Xiaopeng have been competing to enter South Africa, Egypt, and other countries. Meanwhile, electric vehicle assembly lines from China are also accelerating their introduction. In addition, Guoxuan High tech, Yahua Group, Hailiang Co., Ltd., Tianci Materials, Huayou Cobalt, Betray, Zhongke Electric, and others have announced the construction of lithium battery projects in Morocco.

Russia: In the first half of 2024, China's automobile exports amounted to 478000 units, accounting for 58%. In 2021, this proportion was about 7%, with major overseas car companies including Great Wall Motors, Chery, Geely, and Changan. In August of this year, among the top ten brands in the Russian car market, 8 were Chinese brands, including Haval, Chery, Geely, Changan, Oumengda, Jetour, and Xingtu Jaecoo。 Currently, the majority of Chinese car exports to Russia are fuel powered vehicles. The Tula factory of Great Wall Motors in Russia was completed and put into operation in 2019, and the sales of the Haval brand are second only to the local Russian brand Rada. Middle East: Key layout countries include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, etc. In the first half of 2024, China's automobile (passenger car) exports reached 420000 units, with major overseas car companies including BYD, Geely, Changan, Chery, etc. Chinese made cars sold locally in the Middle East include Chinese brands such as BYD, Geely, and Changan, as well as joint venture brands produced in China such as GAC Toyota and Dongfeng Nissan. At present, there are more than 20 Chinese car brands in the UAE. In March of this year, BYD announced the official launch of the Sea Lion, Song Plus, and Qin Plus in the UAE market. In Saudi Arabia, Changan Automobile has ranked first among Chinese brands in sales for several consecutive years. Americas: Key countries for layout include Mexico, Brazil, Chile, etc. In the first half of 2024, China's automobile exports reached 653000 units, with major overseas car companies including Chery, Great Wall Motors, BYD, Jianghuai, SAIC, Yutong, etc. At present, Chinese car companies' layout in North America is mainly in Mexico, while in South America it is concentrated in Brazil and Chile. In recent years, more and more Chinese car companies have begun to localize production in Latin America. In 2023, China exported 415000 cars to Mexico, but only over 100000 were registered for use in Mexico, with over 200000 going to other countries in North America. In recent years, several car companies including SAIC MG, BYD, Chery, and Great Wall Motors have expressed interest in building factories in Mexico. Brazil is also a key focus of Chinese car companies' layout, among which Chery has already built factories in Brazil, while Great Wall Motors and BYD's Brazilian factories are under construction. In the first half of this year, Brazil surpassed Belgium to become the largest exporter of electric vehicles to China. In addition, it is also very popular in countries such as Colombia and Chile. In terms of supply chain, according to public information, Daimei Corporation, Junsheng Electronics, Xinquan Corporation, Sanhua Intelligent Control, and others have all established production capacity in Mexico. Southeast Asia: Key layout countries include Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, etc. From January to July 2024, China will export 343000 vehicles to ASEAN, with major overseas car companies including BYD, SAIC MG, Great Wall Motors, Chery, etc. Thailand and Indonesia have attracted many Chinese companies to invest in building factories. At present, many Chinese car companies such as BYD, SAIC MG, Great Wall Motors, Nezha Automobile, GAC Aion, Changan Automobile, Chery, etc. have already built or planned to build factories in Thailand. In Indonesia, SAIC GM Wuling and Nezha automobile factories have already started producing electric vehicles, while BYD's Indonesian factory is in preparation. Nezha Motors' Malaysian factory plans to start production in 2025. In addition, lithium battery industry chain enterprises such as CATL, Guoxuan High tech, Honeycomb Energy, EVE Energy, Ruipu Lanjun, Xinwangda, Huayou Cobalt, Greenmei, and SAIC Zhengda have also entered Southeast Asia. Nowadays, "going global" has become an indispensable part of the future development strategy of Chinese car companies. In the context of the new era, how to find new ways to go global tests the strategic vision of car companies and their collaborative ability.