Chinese automakers are accelerating their global push, shifting from vehicle exports to full value-chain deployment and deeply localised operations overseas.

In the first quarter alone, China exported more than 2.22 million vehicles, a 56.7 percent year-on-year increase, underscoring the growing importance of international markets as a key driver of industry growth.

Major players are scaling up rapidly. GAC Group recorded an 86 percent jump in overseas sales, supported by five assembly plants and nine component hubs abroad, alongside the rollout of electric drive systems and intelligent cockpit technologies. Changan Automobile is also strengthening industrial links across key markets.

Meanwhile, Geely’s Lotus brand has begun exporting Chinese-made EVs to Canada, while SAIC-GM-Wuling is expanding in Southeast and Central Asia with an integrated manufacturing and supply chain model. Companies like XPeng and Seres are further advancing global reach through innovation in R&D and intelligent driving technologies.