Gasgoo Munich-According to data from Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China's passenger car exports from January to February 2026 were defined by distinct regional patterns, front-runners pulling away, diverging growth speeds, and a clear push from new-energy vehicles. Chery surged to the top in Europe, followed closely by SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle and BYD. Geely led the charge in Southeast Asia, where most brands posted rapid growth—though a few slipped—while North America showed a stark split: a minority climbed steadily, but the majority faced adjustment pressures.
Central and South America witnessed across-the-board surges, with BYD and Geely posting explosive growth to become the core engines of Chinese automakers' overseas expansion. The Middle East remained a stronghold for the powerful, with Chery holding firm at the top even as some rivals felt the squeeze. Overall, Chinese brands are steadily gaining ground overseas; regional competition has shifted to a comprehensive test of product fit, localized operations, and compliance capabilities, pushing each market into a critical phase of differentiated deep-dive development.
Top 10 Chinese Passenger Car Exporters to Europe
NO.1 Chery Automobile. Exported 68,677 units to Europe in the first two months of 2026, up 215.2% year on year.
NO.2 SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle. Exported 58,077 units to Europe in the first two months of 2026, up 10.8% year on year.
NO.3 BYD. Exported 40,930 units to Europe in the first two months of 2026, up 11.9% year on year.
NO.4 Tesla. Exported 29,087 units to Europe in the first two months of 2026, up 31.1% year on year.
NO.5 Geely Automobile. Exported 17,362 units to Europe in the first two months of 2026, up 51.9% year on year.
NO.6 Leapmotor. Exported 14,280 units to Europe in the first two months of 2026, up 391.6% year on year.
NO.7 eGT. Exported 7,716 units to Europe in the first two months of 2026, up 71.0% year on year.
NO.8 Geely Volvo. Exported 7,241 units to Europe in the first two months of 2026, up 499.9% year on year.
NO.9 SAIC-GM-Wuling. Exported 6,347 units to Europe in the first two months of 2026, up 6,581.1% year on year.
NO.10 Spotlight Automotive. Exported 6,095 units to Europe in the first two months of 2026, up 27.5% year on year.
From January to February 2026, the European market displayed a structure of front-runners pulling away, mid-pack contenders chasing, and tail-end players exploding. Chery Automobile, SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle, and BYD formed the first tier, securing the top three spots with exports of 68,677, 58,077, and 40,930 units respectively. Chery claimed the crown with a massive 215.2% surge, underscoring the competitive strength of its products and the effectiveness of its channel expansion in Europe. SAIC and BYD, meanwhile, posted steady growth of 10.8% and 11.9% to consolidate their market share.
In the middle tier, Tesla, Geely Automobile, and Leapmotor exported 29,087, 17,362, and 14,280 units respectively. Leapmotor's performance was particularly striking; its 391.6% surge propelled it into sixth place. Tesla and Geely also achieved solid growth of 31.1% and 51.9%, cementing their status as key players in the European market.
The tail tier—comprising eGT, Geely Volvo, SAIC-GM-Wuling, and Spotlight Automotive—all exported fewer than 8,000 units. While their overall scale is smaller, the growth potential is immense. SAIC-GM-Wuling recorded the fastest growth in the top 10 with a 6,581.1% jump, while Geely Volvo and Leapmotor followed close behind with 499.9% and 391.6% surges respectively. This explosive growth reflects that these brands have entered a fast lane of expansion in Europe. Meanwhile, eGT and Spotlight Automotive also maintained steady upward momentum with gains of 71.0% and 27.5%.
Overall, the penetration of Chinese automotive brands in Europe continues to rise. With most automakers achieving year-on-year growth—a landscape where dominant brands lead and emerging forces break through—export volumes have swelled significantly. Looking ahead, as demand for new-energy models continues to unlock, product competitiveness, localized operations, and compliance capabilities will be the critical factors for automakers to gain a firm foothold in Europe.
Top 10 Chinese Passenger Car Exporters to Southeast Asia
NO.1 Geely Automobile. Exported 23,882 units to Southeast Asia in the first two months of 2026, up 136.9% year on year.
NO.2 BYD. Exported 13,279 units to Southeast Asia in the first two months of 2026, down 23.8% year on year.
NO.3 Chery Automobile. Exported 13,143 units to Southeast Asia in the first two months of 2026, up 48.9% year on year.
NO.4 Changan Automobile. Exported 4,354 units to Southeast Asia in the first two months of 2026, up 35.7% year on year.
NO.5 JMC. Exported 4,325 units to Southeast Asia in the first two months of 2026, up 107.8% year on year.
NO.6 Leapmotor. Exported 4,151 units to Southeast Asia in the first two months of 2026, up 437.0% year on year.
NO.7 Great Wall Motor. Exported 3,382 units to Southeast Asia in the first two months of 2026, up 114.2% year on year.
NO.8 SAIC-GM-Wuling. Exported 3,291 units to Southeast Asia in the first two months of 2026, up 155.5% year on year.
NO.9 Tesla. Exported 3,232 units to Southeast Asia in the first two months of 2026, up 83.6% year on year.
NO.10 Jiangsu Yueda Kia. Exported 1,666 units to Southeast Asia in the first two months of 2026, down 75.6% year on year.
From January to February 2026, the Southeast Asian market displayed a pattern of 'reshaping among leaders and widespread growth.' In the leading camp, Geely Automobile surged to the top with 23,882 units exported and a 136.9% annual increase, achieving a dual breakthrough in volume and speed thanks to precise market positioning and product fit. BYD took second place with 13,279 units, though a 23.8% year-on-year decline suggests near-term pressure. Chery Automobile ranked third with 13,143 units, and its 48.9% growth demonstrated the competitiveness of its products in the local market.
Meanwhile, most automakers achieved high-speed growth. Leapmotor topped the growth charts with a 437.0% surge, while JMC, Great Wall Motor, and SAIC-GM-Wuling all posted triple-digit gains of 107.8%, 114.2%, and 155.5% respectively. Changan Automobile and Tesla also expanded steadily with increases of 35.7% and 83.6%, highlighting the market's vitality. Notably, Jiangsu Yueda Kia suffered a sharp 75.6% drop, likely due to intensifying competition or adjustments in its product cycle.
Overall, Chinese brands continue to deepen their penetration in Southeast Asia, with most automakers achieving rapid growth through precise product strategies and channel layouts. As the Southeast Asian automotive market develops, the ability to adapt products, operate locally, and navigate competitive pressures will be the deciding factors for success.
Top 10 Chinese Passenger Car Exporters to North America
NO.1 SAIC-GM-Wuling. Exported 22,838 units to North America in the first two months of 2026, up 23.6% year on year.
NO.2 SAIC-GM. Exported 9,930 units to North America in the first two months of 2026, up 77.8% year on year.
NO.3 Changan Ford. Exported 6,864 units to North America in the first two months of 2026, up 25.3% year on year.
NO.4 Geely Automobile. Exported 2,638 units to North America in the first two months of 2026, down 18.1% year on year.
NO.5 JMC. Exported 1,782 units to North America in the first two months of 2026, down 36.8% year on year.
NO.6 Karry. Exported 756 units to North America in the first two months of 2026.
NO.7 Jiangsu Yueda Kia. Exported 739 units to North America in the first two months of 2026, down 84.6% year on year.
NO.8 GAC Motor. Exported 702 units to North America in the first two months of 2026, down 84.0% year on year.
NO.9 Chery Automobile. Exported 697 units to North America in the first two months of 2026, down 79.1% year on year.
NO.10 Dongfeng Passenger Vehicle. Exported 355 units to North America in the first two months of 2026.
From January to February 2026, the North American market was characterized by 'steady growth for a few, adjustment pressure for many.' SAIC-GM-Wuling held the top spot with 22,838 units exported and a 23.6% increase, demonstrating its product competitiveness in the region. SAIC-GM followed with 9,930 units and a 77.8% surge, revealing strong expansion momentum. Changan Ford took third with 6,864 units and a 25.3% rise, serving as a stabilizing force in the market.
At the same time, many automakers faced significant adjustment pressure. Geely Automobile and JMC saw exports slide by 18.1% and 36.8% respectively, while Jiangsu Yueda Kia, GAC Motor, and Chery Automobile suffered even steeper declines of 84.6%, 84.0%, and 79.1%. This downturn is largely attributed to Mexico's tariff increase in 2026.
Overall, Chinese automakers' exports to North America remain in a phase of 'steady growth mixed with adjustment.' While some companies have achieved steady expansion through mature product layouts and channel advantages, the majority still need to strengthen their efforts in policy compliance, product adaptation, and market operations. As competition in North America intensifies, the ability to operate compliantly, adapt locally, and manage market risks will be the core drivers reshaping the export landscape.
Top 10 Chinese Passenger Car Exporters to Central & South America
NO.1 BYD. Exported 60,095 units to Central & South America in the first two months of 2026, up 478.5% year on year.
NO.2 Chery Automobile. Exported 26,858 units to Central & South America in the first two months of 2026, up 59.8% year on year.
NO.3 Geely Automobile. Exported 21,552 units to Central & South America in the first two months of 2026, up 614.1% year on year.
NO.4 Great Wall Motor. Exported 12,780 units to Central & South America in the first two months of 2026, up 6.2% year on year.
NO.5 JMC. Exported 9,960 units to Central & South America in the first two months of 2026, up 116.1% year on year.
NO.6 Jiangsu Yueda Kia. Exported 8,735 units to Central & South America in the first two months of 2026, up 70.2% year on year.
NO.7 Tesla. Exported 8,584 units to Central & South America in the first two months of 2026, up 3,801.8% year on year.
NO.8 Changan Automobile. Exported 6,709 units to Central & South America in the first two months of 2026, up 272.1% year on year.
NO.9 SAIC-GM-Wuling. Exported 6,525 units to Central & South America in the first two months of 2026, up 168.0% year on year.
NO.10 Dongfeng Sokon. Exported 6,248 units to Central & South America in the first two months of 2026, up 58.9% year on year.
From January to February 2026, the Central and South American market displayed a pattern of 'rapid growth led by a front-running pack.' In the leading tier, BYD surged to the top with 60,095 units exported and a 478.5% jump, highlighting the fierce competitiveness of its new-energy products in the region.
Chery Automobile followed in second place with 26,858 units and a 59.8% increase, steadily consolidating market share through products tailored to local demand. Geely Automobile took third with 21,552 units, and its 614.1% surge revealed powerful expansion momentum. Great Wall Motor ranked fourth with 12,780 units; while its 6.2% growth was mild, its export scale remains substantial, even if the pace has cooled relative to peers.
Multiple automakers achieved rapid growth, becoming key forces driving the region's export surge. Tesla led the growth charts with a staggering 3,801.8% increase, while JMC, Changan Automobile, and SAIC-GM-Wuling posted high-speed gains of 116.1%, 272.1%, and 168.0% respectively. Jiangsu Yueda Kia and Dongfeng Sokon also expanded steadily with increases of 70.2% and 58.9%, underscoring the market's overall vitality.
Overall, Central and South America has become a critical battleground for high-speed growth among Chinese automakers. The penetration of new-energy vehicles and precise product adaptation have emerged as the core drivers for most companies' surges. Looking ahead, investment in product differentiation, localized operations, and channel layout will be essential for cementing market position and achieving sustainable growth.
Top 10 Chinese Passenger Car Exporters to the Middle East
NO.1 Chery Automobile. Exported 47,023 units to the Middle East in the first two months of 2026, up 71.3% year on year.
NO.2 BYD. Exported 27,426 units to the Middle East in the first two months of 2026, up 111.6% year on year.
NO.3 SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle. Exported 14,849 units to the Middle East in the first two months of 2026, up 50.0% year on year.
NO.4 Geely Automobile. Exported 11,207 units to the Middle East in the first two months of 2026, down 43.8% year on year.
NO.5 Jiangsu Yueda Kia. Exported 10,676 units to the Middle East in the first two months of 2026, down 21.7% year on year.
NO.6 Changan Automobile. Exported 10,174 units to the Middle East in the first two months of 2026, up 114.7% year on year.
NO.7 Great Wall Motor. Exported 9,093 units to the Middle East in the first two months of 2026, up 49.5% year on year.
NO.8 Beijing Hyundai. Exported 6,978 units to the Middle East in the first two months of 2026, down 44.7% year on year.
NO.9 Dongfeng Passenger Vehicle. Exported 5,654 units to the Middle East in the first two months of 2026, up 291.0% year on year.
NO.10 Karry. Exported 5,430 units to the Middle East in the first two months of 2026, up 111.9% year on year.
From January to February 2026, the Middle Eastern market presented a pattern of 'the strong staying strong, with growth polarizing.' In the leading tier, Chery Automobile dominated with 47,023 units exported and a 71.3% increase, demonstrating deep roots and sustained momentum. BYD followed in second place with 27,426 units and a 111.6% surge; by aligning with local energy transitions and consumption upgrades, its new-energy models achieved leapfrog growth, steadily narrowing the gap with the leader. SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle ranked third with 14,849 units, and its 50% growth signaled steady expansion.
Conversely, some automakers faced clear growth headwinds. Geely Automobile, Jiangsu Yueda Kia, and Beijing Hyundai saw year-on-year declines of 43.8%, 21.7%, and 44.7% respectively, likely due to intensifying competition or insufficient product fit. In sharp contrast, several companies displayed strong momentum: Changan Automobile posted 114.7% growth, Dongfeng Passenger Vehicle led the speed charts with a 291.0% surge, and Great Wall Motor and Karry achieved steady expansion with gains of 49.5% and 111.9%, acting as key engines for regional growth.
Overall, the Middle East has become a vital strategic market for Chinese passenger vehicle exports. The penetration of new-energy vehicles and precise product adaptation remain central to achieving high growth for most automakers. As the regional market evolves, investment in product competitiveness, localized operations, and competitive responsiveness will be the deciding factors for success.
