Today, the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) released its latest industry data, and after seeing it, I can only say four words: “A cause for celebration!”
From January to February 2026, China exported 1.55 million vehicles, a 61% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
New energy vehicles (NEVs) became the absolute core growth engine, with cumulative exports reaching 670,000 units, a staggering 88% year-on-year increase. February alone saw NEV exports reach 320,000 units, a massive 120% year-on-year surge, achieving a penetration rate of 43.2% in total vehicle exports.
Many younger car enthusiasts may not grasp the significance of this data.
Just over a decade ago, the Chinese auto market was dominated by joint venture brands. The cars on the road were mostly Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda, and the “Big Three” (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi). Our own domestic brands could only struggle in the low-end market under 100,000 yuan, and there was even the prejudice that “domestic cars are inferior to joint venture cars.”
Now, the situation has completely reversed. Our Chinese cars not only dominate the domestic market, but are also sold all over the world, even in Europe, the birthplace of the automotive industry, where foreigners are scrambling to buy our Chinese cars.
Let me show you some more detailed data to illustrate just how strong our automotive exports are:
Previously, our automotive exports were mostly to emerging markets like Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa. Now, we have fully penetrated the markets of developed Western Europe.
In January and February 2026, the top three destinations for the increase in China’s new energy vehicle exports were Brazil, the UK, Belgium, Germany, France, and Italy—all core European countries with significant import growth.
Previously, we bought Volkswagen and BMW from Germany; now, Germans are buying BYD and Geely from us. This transformation was unimaginable ten years ago.
Many people used to think that Chinese car exports relied solely on low prices. But that’s no longer the case.
Our exported models have shifted from low-priced commuter cars to mid-to-high-end vehicles such as plug-in hybrid SUVs, high-end pure electric sedans, and new energy pickup trucks. Plug-in hybrids and hybrid vehicles have replaced pure electric vehicles as the new growth driver for exports.
BYD models sold in Europe are priced similarly to, or even higher than, Toyota and Volkswagen models in the same segment, and still sell extremely well. Geely and Chery’s high-end series overseas have also gained significant customer recognition. Our success isn’t based on low prices, but on technology, product strength, and quality.
More importantly, our overseas automotive expansion is no longer simply about “selling cars,” but rather a comprehensive export of the entire industry chain and ecosystem.
Brands like BYD, NIO, and XPeng have already established complete sales networks, energy replenishment systems, and after-sales service centers in markets such as Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. They have even built factories locally, boosting local employment and industry chain development.
What we export is no longer just a product, but a complete new energy vehicle ecosystem—this is our true core competitiveness.
Finally, let me share my thoughts.
China’s automotive industry has traversed a path that took foreign automakers over a century in just two or three decades.
From exchanging market access for technology to exporting technology; from joint venture brands dominating the market to Chinese brands going global;
from the past perception that “domestic cars are inferior to joint venture cars” to the present where “foreigners are scrambling to buy Chinese cars,” behind this lies the tireless dedication of countless Chinese automotive professionals and engineers, and our true leapfrog development in the new energy vehicle sector.
The question of whether Chinese cars can compete is no longer a matter of “whether they can compete,” but rather that they have already joined the ranks of the global automotive industry’s top tier, and even become leaders in many areas.
As an automotive blogger, witnessing the progress of the Chinese automotive industry is incredibly inspiring.
Have you seen more and more high-quality domestically produced cars on the road? Which Chinese car do you think best represents our manufacturing capabilities?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. Follow me to witness the rise of the Chinese automotive industry together.
