Gasgoo Munich- Data from Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute reveals a sharply divergent landscape for Chinese passenger vehicle exports across global regions. Chery is leading the charge in Europe with hyper-growth, flanked by SAIC and BYD in a solid first tier. Geely dominates Southeast Asia, where most brands are expanding rapidly. North America presents a mixed picture: only a few players like SAIC-GM-Wuling and SAIC-GM are gaining ground, while the majority face mounting pressure to adjust.
Central and South America have emerged as the strongest growth engine, with BYD and Geely leading the charge at growth rates exceeding 400%, driving widespread gains across the board. In the Middle East, Chery retains the top spot despite a year-on-year decline, while BYD, Great Wall Motor, and Karry are surging against the current, signaling a rapid shift in market dynamics. Overall, the overseas penetration of Chinese auto brands keeps climbing. Regional competition has evolved into a comprehensive test of product fit, localized operations, and compliance capabilities, marking a critical phase for deep market differentiation.
Top 10 Chinese Passenger Vehicle Exporters to Europe
No. 1 Chery. Jan-Mar 2026: 105,837 units exported to Europe, up 215.6% year-on-year.
No. 2 SAIC Motor. Jan-Mar 2026: 88,238 units exported to Europe, up 26.0% year-on-year.
No. 3 BYD. Jan-Mar 2026: 67,969 units exported to Europe, up 26.6% year-on-year.
No. 4 Tesla. Jan-Mar 2026: 40,457 units exported to Europe, up 52.4% year-on-year.
No. 5 Geely. Jan-Mar 2026: 25,438 units exported to Europe, up 53.4% year-on-year.
No. 6 Leapmotor. Jan-Mar 2026: 25,100 units exported to Europe, up 397.2% year-on-year.
No. 7 Spotlight Automotive. Jan-Mar 2026: 12,543 units exported to Europe, up 46.5% year-on-year.
No. 8 Geely Volvo. Jan-Mar 2026: 9,655 units exported to Europe, up 298.1% year-on-year.
No. 9 eGT. Jan-Mar 2026: 8,993 units exported to Europe, up 53.6% year-on-year.
No. 10 SAIC-GM-Wuling. Jan-Mar 2026: 7,664 units exported to Europe, up 1,099.4% year-on-year.
The first quarter of 2026 saw Chinese passenger vehicle exports to Europe characterized by a dominant pack and rapid expansion. Chery, SAIC Motor, and BYD formed the leading tier, securing the top three positions with 105,837, 88,238, and 67,969 units respectively. Chery claimed the top spot with a massive 215.6% surge, becoming the first Chinese brand to ship over 100,000 units to Europe in a single quarter — a testament to its product competitiveness and effective channel expansion. Meanwhile, SAIC Motor and BYD consolidated their market share with steady growth of 26.0% and 26.6%.
Notably, Tesla ranked fourth with 40,457 units exported and a 52.4% increase, signaling a strong recovery in supply from its Shanghai gigafactory to the European market. Geely and Leapmotor posted nearly identical export volumes of around 25,000 units, but Leapmotor’s staggering 397.2% growth suggests that high-value electric vehicles from new entrants are hitting a breakout phase in Europe.
Rounding out the top ten, Spotlight, Geely Volvo, eGT, and SAIC-GM-Wuling took seventh through tenth place with volumes of 12,543, 9,655, 8,993, and 7,664 units respectively. While their overall scale is smaller, the growth potential is immense. SAIC-GM-Wuling and Geely Volvo achieved explosive growth of 1,099.4% and 298.1%, indicating that their European expansion has shifted into high gear. Spotlight and eGT also maintained steady upward momentum with gains of 46.5% and 53.6%.
Overall, the market penetration of Chinese automakers in Europe continued to climb in the first quarter of 2026. All top ten manufacturers posted positive year-on-year growth, a dynamic mix of dominant leaders and fast-rising challengers that drove a significant expansion in export volume. Looking ahead, as demand for new energy vehicles in Europe continues to unlock, product competitiveness, localized operations, and compliance capabilities will be the critical factors for Chinese automakers to secure a lasting foothold.
Top 10 Chinese Passenger Vehicle Exporters to Southeast Asia
No. 1 Geely. Jan-Mar 2026: 34,185 units exported to Southeast Asia, up 110.9% year-on-year.
No. 2 BYD. Jan-Mar 2026: 21,893 units exported to Southeast Asia, down 19.9% year-on-year.
No. 3 Chery. Jan-Mar 2026: 14,518 units exported to Southeast Asia, up 10.5% year-on-year.
No. 4 Zhenyi. Jan-Mar 2026: 7,985 units exported to Southeast Asia.
No. 5 Changan. Jan-Mar 2026: 7,042 units exported to Southeast Asia, up 9.1% year-on-year.
No. 6 JMC. Jan-Mar 2026: 5,759 units exported to Southeast Asia, up 73.6% year-on-year.
No. 7 Leapmotor. Jan-Mar 2026: 5,734 units exported to Southeast Asia, up 431.9% year-on-year.
No. 8 Great Wall Motor. Jan-Mar 2026: 5,345 units exported to Southeast Asia, up 70.5% year-on-year.
No. 9 SAIC-GM-Wuling. Jan-Mar 2026: 4,937 units exported to Southeast Asia, up 87.4% year-on-year.
No. 10 Tesla. Jan-Mar 2026: 4,647 units exported to Southeast Asia, up 81.8% year-on-year.
In the first quarter of 2026, Chinese passenger vehicle exports to Southeast Asia displayed a pattern of clear divergence. Geely took the top spot with 34,185 units and a 110.9% surge, achieving a dual breakthrough in volume and growth thanks to precise market positioning and product fit. BYD followed in second place with 21,893 units, though a 19.9% year-on-year decline suggests it is facing short-term headwinds. Chery ranked third with 14,518 units, maintaining a steady output with a relatively modest 10.5% increase.
Meanwhile, most manufacturers achieved rapid expansion. Leapmotor led the growth charts with a 431.9% surge, while JMC, Great Wall Motor, and SAIC-GM-Wuling posted strong gains of 73.6%, 70.5%, and 87.4% respectively. Tesla China also expanded steadily with an 81.8% increase, underscoring the market's vitality. Notably, newcomer Zhenyi made a strong debut, ranking fourth with 7,985 units; the company has strategic ties and indirect equity links with Chery, serving as the contract manufacturer for the JAECOO J5. Additionally, Changan maintained a steady trajectory with 9.1% growth.
Overall, the market penetration of Chinese brands in Southeast Asia continues to rise, with most manufacturers driving rapid growth through precise product strategies and channel deployment. Looking ahead, as the Southeast Asian automotive market develops, the ability to tailor products, operate locally, and navigate competitive dynamics will be decisive for success.
Top 10 Chinese Passenger Vehicle Exporters to North America
No. 1 SAIC-GM-Wuling. Jan-Mar 2026: 35,235 units exported to North America, up 40.1% year-on-year.
No. 2 SAIC-GM. Jan-Mar 2026: 13,529 units exported to North America, up 44.6% year-on-year.
No. 3 Changan Ford. Jan-Mar 2026: 9,655 units exported to North America, up 21.9% year-on-year.
No. 4 Chery. Jan-Mar 2026: 6,837 units exported to North America, up 6.5% year-on-year.
No. 5 Geely. Jan-Mar 2026: 4,437 units exported to North America, down 42.2% year-on-year.
No. 6 JMC. Jan-Mar 2026: 2,687 units exported to North America, down 4.6% year-on-year.
No. 7 Yueda-Kia. Jan-Mar 2026: 2,498 units exported to North America, down 69.9% year-on-year.
No. 8 Leapmotor. Jan-Mar 2026: 2,200 units exported to North America.
No. 9 GAC Motor. Jan-Mar 2026: 1,899 units exported to North America, down 65.4% year-on-year.
No. 10 SAIC Motor. Jan-Mar 2026: 1,001 units exported to North America, down 80.5% year-on-year.
In the first quarter of 2026, Chinese passenger vehicle exports to North America showed a split dynamic: the top three players demonstrated resilience, while those further down the list faced widespread pressure. SAIC-GM-Wuling held the top spot with 35,235 units, a 40.1% increase. SAIC-GM followed in second place with 13,529 units and a 44.6% surge, reflecting strong expansion momentum. Changan Ford took third with 9,655 units and steady 21.9% growth. Chery moved into fourth place with 6,837 units, managing a modest 6.5% gain to hold its ground in a complex market environment.
Conversely, the latter half of the list faced significant adjustment pressures during the quarter. Geely and JMC saw declines of 42.2% and 4.6% respectively, while Yueda-Kia, GAC Motor, and SAIC Motor suffered even sharper drops of 69.9%, 65.4%, and 80.5%. This broader slump is largely attributed to shifting trade policies and intensifying competition in the North American market. Notably, Leapmotor represented the new forces by entering the top ten for the first time with 2,200 units; however, lacking year-on-year data, its future trajectory remains to be seen.
Overall, Chinese automakers' exports to North America remain in a phase of structural adjustment. Brands with scale and channel advantages are bucking the trend, while others must urgently address shortcomings in compliance access, product fit, and risk hedging. As market rules in North America become increasingly stringent, the ability to operate compliantly, adapt locally, and forecast policy risks will be the core elements reshaping the export landscape.
Top 10 Chinese Passenger Vehicle Exporters to Central and South America
No. 1 BYD. Jan-Mar 2026: 101,132 units exported to Central and South America, up 302.8% year-on-year.
No. 2 Chery. Jan-Mar 2026: 46,338 units exported to Central and South America, up 75.1% year-on-year.
No. 3 Geely. Jan-Mar 2026: 31,379 units exported to Central and South America, up 488.9% year-on-year.
No. 4 Great Wall Motor. Jan-Mar 2026: 21,475 units exported to Central and South America, up 14.6% year-on-year.
No. 5 Yueda-Kia. Jan-Mar 2026: 13,415 units exported to Central and South America, up 18.7% year-on-year.
No. 6 Changan. Jan-Mar 2026: 12,333 units exported to Central and South America, up 399.3% year-on-year.
No. 7 JMC. Jan-Mar 2026: 12,237 units exported to Central and South America, up 109.0% year-on-year.
No. 8 Tesla. Jan-Mar 2026: 10,507 units exported to Central and South America, up 2,309.9% year-on-year.
No. 9 SAIC-GM-Wuling. Jan-Mar 2026: 8,464 units exported to Central and South America, up 100.0% year-on-year.
No. 10 SAIC Motor. Jan-Mar 2026: 7,760 units exported to Central and South America, up 92.1% year-on-year.
In the first quarter of 2026, Chinese passenger vehicle exports to Central and South America displayed a pattern of "universal growth with a dominant leader at the top." In the leading tier, BYD secured the top spot with 101,132 units and a 302.8% surge, demonstrating the formidable competitiveness of its new energy products in the region.
Chery followed in second place with 46,338 units and a 75.1% increase, steadily consolidating market share through products precisely tailored to local demand. Geely ranked third with 31,379 units, where a staggering 488.9% surge highlighted its aggressive expansion momentum. Great Wall Motor took fourth with 21,475 units, posting a modest 14.6% increase; while its export volume remains among the highest, its growth pace is more steady and conservative.
Multiple automakers achieved rapid growth, serving as key drivers for the region's export surge. Tesla led the growth charts with a 2,309.9% jump, while Changan, JMC, and SAIC-GM-Wuling posted impressive gains of 399.3%, 109.0%, and 100.0% respectively. Yueda-Kia and SAIC Motor also expanded steadily with increases of 18.7% and 92.1%, underscoring the market's robust vitality.
Overall, Central and South America has become a critical battleground for high-speed growth among Chinese automakers. The core logic behind the collective surge in the first quarter lies in rising new energy penetration and high-value products that resonate with local consumers. Moving forward, as the region's automotive consumption potential continues to unlock, deepening product differentiation, refining distribution networks, and implementing localized operations will be the essential pathways to sustaining this market success.
Top 10 Chinese Passenger Vehicle Exporters to the Middle East
No. 1 Chery. Jan-Mar 2026: 56,248 units exported to the Middle East, down 39.0% year-on-year.
No. 2 BYD. Jan-Mar 2026: 33,171 units exported to the Middle East, up 35.6% year-on-year.
No. 3 SAIC Motor. Jan-Mar 2026: 17,673 units exported to the Middle East, down 11.4% year-on-year.
No. 4 Yueda-Kia. Jan-Mar 2026: 12,344 units exported to the Middle East, down 46.8% year-on-year.
No. 5 Great Wall Motor. Jan-Mar 2026: 11,877 units exported to the Middle East, up 40.0% year-on-year.
No. 6 Changan. Jan-Mar 2026: 11,866 units exported to the Middle East, down 43.1% year-on-year.
No. 7 Geely. Jan-Mar 2026: 11,291 units exported to the Middle East, down 58.9% year-on-year.
No. 8 Beijing Hyundai. Jan-Mar 2026: 7,742 units exported to the Middle East, down 51.1% year-on-year.
No. 9 Karry. Jan-Mar 2026: 7,299 units exported to the Middle East, up 82.2% year-on-year.
No. 10 Dongfeng Passenger Vehicle. Jan-Mar 2026: 5,654 units exported to the Middle East, up 178.8% year-on-year.
In the first quarter of 2026, Chinese passenger vehicle exports to the Middle East were characterized by stable rankings at the top but divergent growth rates, with emerging brands bucking the trend. In the leading tier, Chery retained the regional top spot with 56,248 units, though a 39.0% year-on-year decline suggests the growth momentum of this traditional powerhouse is fading. BYD followed in second place with 33,171 units and a strong 35.6% increase, achieving steady growth by aligning its new energy models with local energy transition trends and upgrading consumer demands. SAIC Motor ranked third with 17,673 units, facing short-term pressure with an 11.4% decline.
At the same time, market polarization was particularly pronounced in the first quarter, with several traditional brands under significant strain. Yueda-Kia, Changan, Geely, and Beijing Hyundai saw declines of 46.8%, 43.1%, 58.9%, and 51.1% respectively, likely impacted by regional conflicts and intensifying competition. In sharp contrast, some automakers defied the downturn: Dongfeng Passenger Vehicle expanded rapidly with growth nearing 180%, while Karry and Great Wall Motor maintained high double-digit growth, becoming key drivers for exports to the region.
Overall, the Middle East remains a strategic core market for Chinese automakers' global expansion, currently sitting in a critical window of product structure iteration and the shift between old and new forces. The transition toward new energy and high-end vehicles has become an irreversible trend. Moving forward, an automaker's ability to strengthen core product competitiveness, build localized operational systems, and flexibly adapt to regional consumption shifts will determine its long-term influence and growth potential in the Middle East.
—Recommended: 2026 Chinese Automaker Overseas Expansion Map—
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