Gasgoo Munich- Data from Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute reveals that between January and February 2026, BYD, Geely, and Chery continued to pursue distinct breakout strategies, underscoring the diverse resilience of Chinese automakers' global expansion. BYD is anchoring its scale in new-energy exports across Central & South America and Europe; Chery is leading strongly in Europe while gaining ground in the Middle East, driving growth in both mature and emerging markets; and Geely is deepening its presence in the CIS and Europe to build a balanced export matrix. Each automaker has its own rhythm, together charting a new landscape for the global ascent of Chinese automotive brands.
According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute export database, here is the regional ranking of BYD passenger vehicle exports for January-February 2026:
No. 1 Central & South America: 60,082 units exported in the first two months.
No. 2 EU + UK + EFTA: 40,919 units exported in the first two months.
No. 3 Middle East: 26,593 units exported in the first two months.
No. 4 Southeast Asia: 13,271 units exported in the first two months.
No. 5 Oceania: 9,677 units exported in the first two months.
No. 6 CIS countries: 8,010 units exported in the first two months.
No. 7 Other Asia: 7,465 units exported in the first two months.
No. 8 Africa: 6,329 units exported in the first two months.
No. 9 Other Europe: 679 units exported in the first two months.
No. 10 North America: 4 units exported in the first two months.
Data from Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute indicates that BYD's global layout from January to February 2026 is characterized by a shift in core markets and breakthroughs in emerging regions, signaling a new round of adjustment and deepening in its globalization strategy. Central & South America surged to the top with 60,082 units, becoming BYD's largest export market—driven by local production, channel expansion, and product adaptation in Brazil, compounded by favorable local new-energy policies. The EU, UK, and EFTA followed with 40,919 units, sustaining strong performance in mainstream European markets and highlighting the rising acceptance of its new-energy models in mature markets.
Notably, Southeast Asia—once a mainstay for BYD exports—slipped to fourth place. This shift stems from intensifying competition, policy adjustments in some markets, and temporary capacity allocation, suggesting that BYD's dominance in the region is facing challenges.
Meanwhile, North America saw just 4 exports, a sharp drop from previous peaks, reflecting BYD's cautious approach amid geopolitical conflicts and trade barriers. It is unlikely to become a stable growth source soon. In contrast, the Middle East held firm in third with 26,593 units, serving as a crucial buffer and support pillar in BYD's export structure.
Structurally, BYD's export landscape has pivoted from a "Southeast Asia + Europe" dual-core model to a new "Central & South America + Europe" framework. The surge in Latin America provides stable volume support and diversifies risk, while Europe's continued growth boosts brand premium and technological image. If BYD can consolidate its Latin American lead while optimizing strategies for Southeast Asia and strengthening resilience in the Middle East and Oceania, its leadership in global electrification is set to be further cemented.
According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute export database, here is the regional ranking of Geely Holding passenger vehicle exports for January-February 2026:
No. 1 CIS countries: 26,947 units exported in the first two months.
No. 2 EU + UK + EFTA: 24,678 units exported in the first two months.
No. 3 Southeast Asia: 24,351 units exported in the first two months.
No. 4 Central & South America: 22,587 units exported in the first two months.
No. 5 Africa: 20,274 units exported in the first two months.
No. 6 Middle East: 13,277 units exported in the first two months.
No. 7 Oceania: 3,470 units exported in the first two months.
No. 8 Other Asia: 2,764 units exported in the first two months.
No. 9 North America: 2,638 units exported in the first two months.
No. 10 Other Europe: 632 units exported in the first two months.
Geely Holding's global layout from January to February 2026 reflects a balanced development model: emerging markets as the foundation, with accelerated breakthroughs in mature markets. CIS countries took the lead with 26,947 units, remaining Geely's core export stronghold. This demonstrates the solid market barriers built through long-term product adaptation, channel construction, and localized operations.
Significantly, Geely achieved a major breakthrough in the EU, UK, and EFTA regions, exporting 24,678 units to jump to second place. This gain is driven by the accelerated introduction of new-energy products and the synergies of brands like Volvo and Lynk & Co, marking a payoff period for Geely's premium and mature market strategy. Simultaneously, Southeast Asia ranked third with 24,351 units, while Central & South America surpassed 20,000 units, showing Geely is accelerating its expansion in high-potential markets to build a multi-regional growth engine.
By early 2026, Geely's export distribution had become markedly more balanced, with rising shares in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Central & South America reducing reliance on any single market. However, North America volumes remained modest at 2,638 units, constrained by trade policies and access barriers. Overall, Geely is steadily advancing globalization by "stabilizing the base in emerging markets and raising the ceiling in mature ones." Further optimizing regional product differentiation and overseas production efficiency will unlock greater stability and growth potential.
According to the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute export database, here is the regional ranking of Chery Holding passenger vehicle exports for January-February 2026:
No. 1 EU + UK + EFTA: 71,600 units exported in the first two months.
No. 2 Middle East: 57,175 units exported in the first two months.
No. 3 CIS countries: 52,996 units exported in the first two months.
No. 4 Central & South America: 28,929 units exported in the first two months.
No. 5 Africa: 24,048 units exported in the first two months.
No. 6 Southeast Asia: 15,199 units exported in the first two months.
No. 7 Oceania: 4,705 units exported in the first two months.
No. 8 Other Asia: 3,254 units exported in the first two months.
No. 9 North America: 1,453 units exported in the first two months.
No. 10 Other Europe: 436 units exported in the first two months.
Chery Holding's global layout from January to February 2026 is defined by strong leadership in mature markets and widespread growth in emerging ones, creating powerful overall momentum. The EU, UK, and EFTA regions topped the list with 71,600 units, becoming Chery's largest export market. This signals that Chery's product strength and brand recognition in Europe have entered the first tier, with Europe now serving as the core engine of its export growth.
Meanwhile, exports to the Middle East and CIS countries both exceeded 50,000 units, while Central & South America and Africa surpassed 20,000 units. These four emerging markets form Chery's second growth curve, creating a "one core, multiple poles" pattern alongside Europe. This broad, multi-point structure provides stable volume guarantees and effectively hedges against policy and currency risks in individual markets, showcasing the resilience of Chery's global footprint.
By comparison, Chery's breakthrough in mature markets is particularly striking. The robust growth in Europe not only delivers significant volume but also elevates the brand's global premium capability. The sustained high growth in the Middle East and CIS maintains its competitiveness in traditional strongholds. However, North America volumes were just 1,453 units, limited by trade barriers and market access, making it difficult to achieve scale in the short term.
Overall, Chery is accelerating its globalization along a path of "Europe leading, multiple regions advancing." If it can deepen localized operations and replicate the compliance and electrification experience gained in Europe to emerging markets, its competitiveness in the global passenger vehicle export market is poised to strengthen further.
