China's auto exports projected to top 10 million units in 2026

China's auto exports are on track to surpass 10 million units in 2026 as export volumes continue to expand, with new energy vehicles emerging as the main driving force, according to the latest data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) on Monday.

CAAM data showed that China exported 8.2 million vehicles in the January-September period, up more than 65 percent year on year, putting annual exports on course to break the 10-million-unit mark for the first time.

This expansion has been accompanied by strong performances from several domestic automakers. Chery Group exported a cumulative 1.5 million vehicles in the first three quarters, a 65 percent increase year on year, while MG, the British brand under SAIC Motor, sold more than 280,000 units in the European market during the same period, up 23 percent.

At the same time, the geographic reach of Chinese auto exports has continued to widen, with Europe, South America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East becoming the main destination markets.

Behind these figures, new energy vehicles are turning into the key engine of export growth.

In the first nine months of the year, China exported over four million new energy vehicles, up 1.3 times year on year. Starting in June, the share of new energy vehicles in total auto exports has exceeded 50 percent for four consecutive months.

Industry observers noted this rapid rise reflects how Chinese automakers are leveraging their advantages in electrification and intelligent technologies.

Liu Yan, deputy secretary-general of the CAAM, said the export boom reflects a fundamental shift in the source of China's automotive competitiveness.

"The global competitiveness of China's automotive industry has evolved from cost-effectiveness to a systemic competitiveness centered on new energy. This is not only injecting new momentum into global green and low-carbon development, but also securing new long-term competitive advantages for Chinese automakers," she said.

China will host the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiongan) from Oct 23 to 25 in Xiongan New Area, north China's Hebei Province, according to the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA).

The forum will bring together leading figures in strategic, political, academic, business, media, and youth sectors from around the world, particularly those in areas such as the United Nations, climate change, artificial intelligence, and multilateral trade, said the CPIFA at a press conference on Friday.

According to the CPIFA, international guests from nearly 100 countries of the Global South, Europe and America have confirmed their attendance. They will also visit Xiongan New Area, China's "city of the future," during the forum.

Hosted by the CPIFA, the forum is themed "Rebuilding Confidence and Cooperation: Reforming and Improving Global Governance in a Transforming World."