According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, automobile sales from January to July 2025 reached 18.269 million units, a year-on-year increase of 12%. Of these, 3.68 million units were exported, a year-on-year increase of 12.8%.
Chinese automakers are accelerating their global expansion, injecting new momentum into the global automotive industry through technological innovation and localization strategies.
According to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), the top three destinations for Chinese auto exports from January to July 2025 were Russia, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates, with exports of 197,577, 152,306, and 145,111 vehicles, respectively. Mexico saw an 8% year-on-year decline, the UAE saw a 43% year-on-year increase, and Russia saw a 60% plunge.
Among the top ten countries, Algeria saw the largest increase, with exports reaching 48,540 vehicles, a 237% year-on-year increase.
Russia saw the largest decline. Analysts suggest that this is due, firstly, to Russia’s increase in auto loan interest rates and import scrapping taxes for finished vehicles this year, which increased vehicle purchase costs for local consumers and led to a decline in terminal sales. Secondly, Chinese automakers previously had high inventories in Russia, which has led to sales bottlenecks this year.
Looking at automakers, according to a list released by Yiche, Chery Automobile firmly holds the top spot with sales of 662,900 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 6.9%. Exports have always been Chery’s strength. As a veteran in Chinese auto exports, Chery has been deeply engaged in overseas markets for many years, establishing a comprehensive sales network and production base. Chery vehicles are particularly popular with local consumers in regions such as Russia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Furthermore, in the face of uncertainties in the global trade environment, Chery has accelerated its overseas localized production, effectively circumventing tariff barriers.
BYD followed closely behind, exporting a total of 521,500 vehicles from January to July 2025, a year-on-year increase of 123.4%, making it the Chinese automaker with the largest growth among the top ten.
Leveraging its strengths in core technologies such as batteries, motors, and electronic controls, BYD has launched a series of models that are highly sought after by overseas consumers. Furthermore, BYD’s active promotion of localized production and independent shipping has effectively mitigated high tariff barriers in Europe and the United States, further enhancing its competitiveness in overseas markets.
SAIC Passenger Vehicle ranked third with 241,300 vehicles, a year-on-year decline of 11.7%. The decline in exports may be attributed to factors such as intensified competition in some markets and supply chain instability. MG is SAIC’s primary export brand, and despite the decline in export volume, the MG brand has performed well in Europe, Southeast Asia, India, and other regions.
SAIC’s deepening reforms have yielded significant results, with its own brands and new energy vehicles becoming the primary drivers of growth. However, SAIC’s continued commitment to technological innovation and product upgrades suggests it is expected to regain growth momentum in overseas markets.
Geely Auto exported 218,200 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 3.0%. Through a series of overseas mergers and acquisitions and strategic partnerships, Geely Auto has rapidly enhanced its international influence. Its brands, such as Volvo and Lynk & Co, have performed exceptionally well in the European market. Lynk & Co, in particular, has captured the attention of young European consumers with its unique design, advanced technology, and high-end positioning.
Geely Auto is also actively expanding its overseas market presence in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Through localized production and marketing, Geely Auto has better met the needs of local consumers and driven export growth.
In addition, Great Wall Motor exported 203,400 vehicles, a year-on-year decline of 4.2%. Changan Automobile exported 174,400 vehicles, a year-on-year decline of 0.6%. SAIC-GM-Wuling exported 133,400 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 24.9%.
Tesla’s exports to China were 128,300 vehicles, a year-on-year decline of 27.2%. Although Tesla is a globally renowned new energy vehicle brand, its export performance has declined significantly. This may be due to factors such as intensified competition in China’s new energy vehicle market and policy changes in some overseas markets. Tesla’s sales in markets such as Europe have declined significantly.
Jiangsu Yueda Kia exported 98,800 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 13.7%. As a joint venture brand, although Yueda Kia’s performance in the domestic market is average, domestic exports have become a new growth point.
In recent years, with the rise of Chinese independent auto brands and the rapid development of the global new energy vehicle market, joint venture brands have faced increasing challenges in overseas markets.
Jiangsu Yueda Kia needs to accelerate product upgrades and improve its technology to adapt to market changes and revitalize its export business. Beijing Hyundai also began exporting, shipping 39,400 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 215.1%, making it the automaker with the largest growth on the list.
The rankings clearly demonstrate that Chinese domestic brands are increasingly competitive in exports. With the exception of Tesla and Yueda Kia, all other Chinese brands are domestic brands in the top ten. Chery Automobile and BYD lead the way, with BYD in particular achieving 118.2% year-on-year growth, making it the Chinese manufacturer with the greatest growth potential in overseas exports. This is due to BYD’s aggressive expansion into overseas markets. Joint venture brands, such as Yueda Kia and Beijing Hyundai, have mostly begun exporting their products to overseas markets due to sales pressure in their domestic market.
The international automotive market is extremely competitive. Many internationally renowned automakers have long established a global presence, possessing strong brand heritage, advanced technology, and comprehensive sales and service networks.
Chinese automakers face enormous challenges in standing out in this market.
Compared to international automakers, Chinese automakers once lagged significantly behind in brand awareness, technological sophistication, and product quality. However, in recent years, through continuous increases in R&D investment, enhanced technological innovation capabilities, and improved product quality, the competitiveness of Chinese automakers has significantly improved.
Today, Chinese new energy vehicles are at the forefront of the world in areas such as battery technology and intelligent driving, and are now able to compete with international automakers.
