China’s passenger vehicle exporters overview (Jan.-Jun. 2026): Chery Auto surges 274.1% in Europe丨Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute

According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China’s passenger vehicle exports showed clear regional divergence in the first half of 2026. Central and South America recorded the strongest growth, led by BYD, while Europe continued to see rapid penetration, with Chery, SAIC, and BYD among the top exporters. Southeast Asia remained highly competitive, with Geely leading and BYD and Leapmotor gaining momentum. North America and the Middle East faced greater pressure from trade policies and regional uncertainties, although some automakers maintained growth through localization. Overall, Chinese automakers are shifting from scale-driven expansion toward more localized and region-specific overseas strategies.

Top 10 Chinese automakers by passenger vehicle exports to Europe

Chery Auto: 262,331 units, up 274.1% year-on-year

SAIC PV: 211,327 units, up 61.3% year-on-year

BYD Auto: 170,765 units, up 22.9% year-on-year

Geely Auto: 93,203 units, up 134.4% year-on-year

Tesla: 68,709 units, up 28.4% year-on-year

Leapmotor: 61,319 units, up 328.1% year-on-year

Spotlight Automotive: 24,950 units, up 10.5% year-on-year

eGT: 19,748 units, up 44.2% year-on-year

Changan Auto: 14,298 units, up 468.5% year-on-year

Beijing Hyundai: 10,829 units, up 242.3% year-on-year

According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, Chery Auto remained the leading Chinese automaker in European passenger vehicle exports in the first half of 2026, with 262,331 units exported, up 274.1% YoY. SAIC PV and BYD Auto ranked second and third with 211,327 and 170,765 units, respectively, forming a stable top-tier group. Chery’s growth was driven by its multi-brand strategy and expanding sales network, while SAIC maintained its position through MG’s long-established brand presence, and BYD leveraged its comprehensive NEV lineup to sustain strong export momentum.

In the second tier, Geely Auto, Tesla, Leapmotor, Spotlight Automotive, and eGT ranked fourth to eighth. Leapmotor stood out with 61,319 exported units, up 328.1% YoY, highlighting the potential of Chinese new energy startups in Europe through technology partnerships and competitive pricing. Changan Auto also recorded explosive growth, surging 468.5% YoY to become the fastest-growing automaker among the top 10. Beijing Hyundai achieved a 242.3% increase as well, demonstrating the potential of using China-based production capabilities to support exports to Europe.

Top 10 Chinese automakers by passenger vehicle exports to Southeast Asia

Geely Auto: 89,548 units, up 117.3% year-on-year

BYD Auto: 78,341 units, up 25.4% year-on-year

Chery Auto: 36,326 units, down 5.0% year-on-year

Zhenyi Auto: 19,143 units

Great Wall Motor: 16,601 units, up 92.5% year-on-year

Tesla: 13,856 units, up 45.3% year-on-year

Jiangling Motor: 13,773 units, up 79.0% year-on-year

Changan Auto: 13,364 units, down 17.6% year-on-year

Leapmotor: 11,537 units, up 302.1% year-on-year

SAIC-GM-Wuling: 10,059 units, up 65.0% year-on-year

According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, Geely Auto ranked first among Chinese automakers in Southeast Asian passenger vehicle exports in the first half of 2026, with 89,548 units exported. Leveraging its regional sales network and understanding of local market demand, Geely further expanded its lead. BYD Auto and Chery Auto ranked second and third with 78,341 and 36,326 units, respectively, maintaining strong export volumes.Chery’s exports declined slightly by 5.0% YoY; however, including the 19,143 units exported by its contract manufacturing partner Zhenyi Auto, the combined volume reached 55,469 units, indicating stable overall performance.

In the second tier, Great Wall Motor and Tesla ranked fourth and fifth, exporting 16,601 and 13,856 units, respectively, with year-on-year growth of 92.5% and 45.3%, reflecting expansion across both traditional fuel vehicles and new energy vehicles. Jiangling Motor ranked sixth with 13,773 units, up 79.0% YoY, becoming an important contributor to regional growth.Notably, Chinese new energy startups are accelerating their expansion in Southeast Asia. Leapmotor recorded the fastest growth among the top 10, with exports of 11,537 units, up 302.1% YoY, highlighting the potential of cost-competitive NEV models in the region.

Top 10 Chinese automakers by passenger vehicle exports to North America

SAIC-GM-Wuling: 61,827 units, up 17.4% year-on-year

SAIC-GM: 26,331 units, up 68.0% year-on-year

Changan-Ford: 21,001 units, up 30.2% year-on-year

Geely Auto: 18,323 units, up 46.9% year-on-year

SAIC PV: 14,906 units, up 9.0% year-on-year

Chery Auto: 12,885 units, down 30.2% year-on-year

Tesla: 11,910 units, up 327.5% year-on-year

Jiangsu Yueda Kia: 9,962 units, down 39.1% year-on-year

Jiangling Motor: 8,806 units, up 25.5% year-on-year

GAC Trumpchi: 7,132 units, down 21.6% year-on-year

According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, SAIC-GM-Wuling ranked first among Chinese automakers in North American passenger vehicle exports in the first half of 2026, with 61,827 units exported, up 17.4% year-on-year. SAIC-GM and Changan-Ford followed with 26,331 and 21,001 units, respectively, maintaining stable export volumes through established joint venture channel networks.

In terms of growth performance, SAIC-GM recorded a 68.0% year-on-year increase, leading growth among major exporters. Geely Auto exported 18,323 units, up 46.9%, reflecting continued expansion by Chinese brands in the region. Tesla posted the strongest growth, with exports surging 327.5% to 11,910 units, driven largely by the additional quota for 49,000 China-made EVs exported to Canada.

By contrast, several automakers faced significant pressure. Chery Auto exported 12,885 units, down 30.2% year-on-year, while Jiangsu Yueda Kia and GAC Trumpchi declined 39.1% and 21.6%, respectively. Amid changing trade policies, higher tariff barriers, and intensifying competition, the North American market is becoming increasingly polarized, with clear divergence between growth-oriented and declining players.

Top 10 Chinese automakers by passenger vehicle exports to Central and South America

BYD Auto: 222,199 units, up 142.8% year-on-year

Chery Auto: 115,028 units, up 95.1% year-on-year

Geely Auto: 70,563 units, up 445.6% year-on-year

Great Wall Motor: 57,359 units, up 65.6% year-on-year

Jiangsu Yueda Kia: 35,178 units, up 45.4% year-on-year

Changan Auto: 31,654 units, up 296.5% year-on-year

Jiangling Motor: 26,125 units, up 70.8% year-on-year

SAIC-GM-Wuling: 21,758 units, up 66.1% year-on-year

SAIC PV: 20,857 units, up 151.4% year-on-year

Tesla: 17,893 units, up 1,771.7% year-on-year

According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China’s passenger vehicle exports to Central and South America maintained strong growth momentum in the first half of 2026. BYD Auto led the market with 222,199 exported units, up 142.8% YoY, followed by Chery Auto with 115,028 units and Geely Auto with 70,563 units, up 445.6% YoY. Several automakers achieved rapid growth, with Changan Auto and Tesla increasing exports by 296.5% and 1,771.7%, respectively. Great Wall Motor, Jiangling Motor, SAIC-GM-Wuling, and SAIC PV also recorded strong expansion.

Overall, Central and South America has become a key growth region for Chinese automakers. As Brazil adjusts EV import policies, Chinese brands are expected to accelerate the shift from vehicle exports toward CKD/SKD assembly and localized production.

Top 10 Chinese automakers by passenger vehicle exports to Middle East

Chery Auto: 71,978 units, down 48.8% year-on-year

BYD Auto: 44,364 units, down 14.8% year-on-year

SAIC PV: 27,352 units, down 40.7% year-on-year

Geely Auto: 27,106 units, down 42.4% year-on-year

Jiangsu Yueda Kia: 23,541 units, down 48.4% year-on-year

Changan Auto: 23,182 units, down 42.3% year-on-year

Great Wall Motor: 22,881 units, up 6.7% year-on-year

Beijing Hyundai: 14,967 units, down 42.4% year-on-year

Karry Auto: 13,431 units, up 13.9% year-on-year

Southeast Auto: 11,600 units, down 56.3% year-on-year

According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China’s passenger vehicle exports to the Middle East faced significant pressure in the first half of 2026. Chery Auto remained the market leader with 71,978 exported units, but declined 48.8% YoY. BYD Auto and SAIC PV ranked second and third with 44,364 and 27,352 units, respectively, with both experiencing declines.Most automakers saw falling exports amid weaker demand and intensified competition. Geely Auto, Jiangsu Yueda Kia, Changan Auto, and Beijing Hyundai all recorded declines of more than 40%.

However, some brands showed resilience. Great Wall Motor increased exports by 6.7% to 22,881 units, while Karry Auto grew 13.9% to 13,431 units. Overall, the Middle East market has entered a period of adjustment, with Chinese automakers seeking new growth through NEV expansion, localization, and deeper brand development.