Chinese automakers are looking to expand overseas at an accelerated pace in 2025 by deploying large car carrier vessels to transport automobiles en masse, build localized manufacturing plants in new markets, and promote the export of key vehicle parts and technologies worldwide.
China's auto sector hit a new milestone in 2024, with both production and sales exceeding 31 million units, industry data showed on Monday, while the country also exported over 5.8 million vehicles, surging 19.3 percent year on year.
This strong growth momentum has continued into the new year, with a port in Yantai City of east China's Shandong Province already shipping off more than 10,000 commercial vehicles to the global markets within the first few days of January.
In addition, the world's largest and most environmentally-friendly car carrier ship that has the capacity for a staggering 9,100 cars was also delivered and put into operation earlier this month in Nantong City of east 's China Jiangsu Province.
In Shenzhen in the southern Guangdong Province, another new car carrier vessel launched by leading Chinese automaker BYD set sail last Tuesday. The ship, dubbed 'BYD Hefei', can carry up to 7,000 vehicles, and is a further sign of the company's ambitious expansion plans on the global markets.
"At the beginning of 2025, BYD launched its third self-built roll-on/roll-off vessel, the 'BYD Hefei,' which has greatly improved our export capabilities," said Luo Hao, assistant general manager of BYD's Branding and Public Relations Department.
Meanwhile, some Chinese carmakers are taking advantage of technological developments and the strong industrial and supply chains by shifting their focus on exporting vehicles to also building manufacturing plants abroad, allowing them to operate directly in their target markets.
In Thailand's Rayong Province, Chinese automaker Changan Automobile is speeding up the construction of its first new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing base, and is targeting an output of 200,000 units by 2026.
"The factory will start operation by the end of March this year. It will manufacture 100,000 units in the first year, and then increase to 200,000 units the next year," said Cai Hongwei, an employee at Changan Auto.
As Chinese new energy vehicles posted record performance, with both production and sales exceeding 10 million units for the first time in 2024, Chinese joint venture carmaker SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile (SGMW) is cooperating with companies across the industrial chain to export NEVs key parts and technologies, helping accelerate the green transition as more motorists are increasingly turning towards electric vehicles.
Wei Wenqing, deputy secretary general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), believes Chinese automakers will continue to innovate by promoting their latest models and collaborating with partners in new markets.
"In terms of the regions, these companies will expand their operations from developed countries to developing countries. In terms of products, in addition to pure EVs, they will also launch a range of new products including plug-in hybrids and range extended electric vehicle (REEV) while supporting the export of fuel-powered cars and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). As for business forms and models, there will be independent development as well as collaborative and joint venture models," said Wei.
Chinese carmakers aim to accelerate overseas expansion in 2025
Chinese carmakers aim to accelerate overseas expansion in 2025
