Annual Auto Exports Expected to Exceed 7 Million Units as China’s Auto Globalization Enters Next Phase

At 8 a.m. on July 15, a sea breeze swept across Shanghai Haitong International Terminal, where 300 SAIC Maxus eDELIVER3 (EV30) electric logistics vehicles stood neatly parked, ready for shipment to Europe. China Business Journal learned that this batch represents the first large-scale procurement by global logistics giant DHL from SAIC Maxus, now DHL’s top Chinese supplier in Europe.

This is just one snapshot of China’s accelerating auto export wave. According to CAAM data, China exported 3.083 million vehicles in H1 2025 (+10.4% YoY), including 1.06 million NEVs (+75.2% YoY).

Beyond SAIC, automakers like Chery, Leapmotor, and Voyah are expanding globally. Leapmotor, leveraging its Stellantis partnership, has entered over 30 markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, ranking first among NEV startups in exports. Voyah has penetrated 40+ countries including Norway and Denmark, while accelerating deployments in Central Asia and Latin America.

The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products predicts that, maintaining 10% growth, H2 exports could reach 4 million units, pushing 2025’s total beyond 7 million.

Tier-1 Brands Lead the Charge

Wu Songquan, Chief Expert at CATARC, emphasized at the 2025 China Auto Forum that key markets like the EU, ASEAN, and the Middle East offer prime growth opportunities.

Europe’s 2035 ICE ban has intensified demand for electrified commercial vehicles. SAIC Maxus leads in several markets: its eDELIVER3 and eDELIVER9 rank first in Norway and Spain, while SAIC-GM-Wuling expanded to 104 countries with 125,600 H1 exports (+17.1% YoY). Chery remains China’s export champion, shipping 550,200 units (+9.6% YoY) and averaging one vehicle exported every 29 seconds.

CITIC Securities notes: “While car exports dominate now, leading brands and NEV startups will drive future growth, eventually achieving dual gains in market share and profitability through technology standard exports.”

Globalization 3.0: Quality Over Quantity

CAAM’s Fu Bingfeng highlighted that Chinese automakers are transitioning from volume-driven to value-driven globalization, with technological prowess drawing global attention.

Western Securities’ analysis identifies MENA and South America as high-growth regions for both traditional and NEV markets. SAIC-GM-Wuling exemplifies this shift—after entering Uzbekistan in January, it exported its E260S PLUS to Brazil in June, exploring localized SKD/CKD production.

AlixPartners’ 2025 Global Automotive Outlook projects Chinese automakers will claim 10% of Europe’s market by 2030 (currently 4.5%), adding 800,000 units annually while European OEMs cut 400,000 units. However, stringent Euro NCAP and regulatory hurdles remain challenges.

SAIC’s Pan Jiming revealed at the forum that its Globalization 3.0 strategy now includes reverse-exporting proprietary tech like hybrids and solid-state batteries. With 6 million overseas users, SAIC’s MG ranks among Europe’s top 10 NEV brands.

Preventing “Involution Spillover”

Despite rapid growth, risks loom. NETA’s zero-star ASEAN NCAP rating in 2024 and EU/US tariff hikes underscore the need for “civilized globalization.”

Chery’s Yin Tongyue warned against “a Great Leap Forward-style rush overseas,” urging industry unity to build win-win partnerships. CAAM is implementing measures to ensure compliance with local norms, with Fu Bingfeng stating: “Anti-involution efforts are progressing, and we’ll refine mechanisms to foster healthy competition.”

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Original article link: “https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/WVqdoqnsVK1QMo5SM970HQ“.
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