Mexico tops export destinations, BYD leads globally, NEV market tiered shakeout intensifies丨China’s passenger vehicle export overview (Jan.–Apr. 2025)

From January to April 2025, China's passenger vehicle export landscape has seen a significant shift. Mexico becomes the largest overseas market for Chinese passenger vehicles, with 147,752 units shipped, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) shows strong momentum with nearly 60% year-on-year spike.

Meanwhile, new energy vehicle (NEV) exports are revealing distinct tiered divergence. Europe remains a major destination, though its growth is slowing. Mexico has become a key NEV market in Latin America, with exports surging over 200% year-on-year; Emerging markets such as Israel and Indonesia are experiencing explosive growth.

BYD has emerged as a major force in China's global expansion, achieving strong growth across North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, and further reinforcing the rising international influence of Chinese brands.

Top 10 destination countries by China’s passenger vehicle exports

Mexico: 38,479 units in April and 147,752 units (+24.3% YoY) from January to April.

UAE: 28,685 units in April and 130,553 units (+58.5% YoY) from January to April.

Russia: 31,314 units in April and 125,985 units (-46.8% YoY) from January to April.

Belgium: 25,338 units in April and 92,854 units (-1.1% YoY) from January to April.

Brazil: 39,052 units in April and 87,724 units (-16.3% YoY) from January to April.

UK: 25,287 units in April and 75,748 units (-2.9% YoY) from January to April.

Australia: 24,439 units in April and 72,866 units (+22.0% YoY) from January to April.

Saudi Arabia: 16,660 units in April and 72,505 units (+22.9% YoY) from January to April.

Spain: 11,665 units in April and 47,642 units (+32.3% YoY) from January to April.

Malaysia: 16,990 units in April and 47,398 units (+41.2% YoY) from January to April.

Russia remains one of China's top three passenger vehicle export markets in the first four months of 2025, but shipments plummeted 46.8% year-on-year—a sharp contrast to last year's "substitution-driven boom" triggered by the exodus of Western automakers. This year, Russia has started tightening entry requirements for China-branded vehicles, taking such measures as higher scrappage taxes, with officials also signaling possible new compliance and testing requirements that could further constrain exports. Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the China Passenger Car Association, warned that if the Russia-Ukraine conflict ends and international brands return, Chinese carmakers will face much tougher competition.

Mexico has become China's largest passenger vehicle export market, with shipments nearing 150,000 units, up 24.3% YoY. The UAE follows closely with a strong 58.5% hike, becoming a key gateway to the Middle East. Saudi Arabia also reports solid growth of 22.9%. As oil-rich Middle Eastern nations accelerate their transition to electric mobility, the region is rapidly emerging as a dynamic new growth engine.

Belgium and the UK have experienced minor fluctuations, with exports edging down 1.1% and 2.9% respectively. In contrast, Spain posts strong growth of 32.3%, highlighting the potential of the Southern European market. A key driver is the extension of Spain's MOVES III program through the end of this year, which offers consumers up to €7,000 in subsidies when purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) and scrapping an old gasoline-powered vehicle—substantially driving local EV demand.

Malaysia's 41.2% surge signals strong growth potential. To bypass local import quota restrictions, Chinese carmakers such as Geely Auto, Chery Auto, GAC, and Great Wall Motor have turned to local assembly. However, overall vehicle demand in Malaysia remains weak, with total vehicle sales down 5% year-on-year, while battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are gaining momentum, soaring 54% over the same period.

In the Southern Hemisphere, Australia maintains steady growth with a 22% increase. In Brazil, monthly shipments surge to over 39,000 units in April ahead of looming NEV tariff hikes, but cumulative exports for the first four months still drop 16.3%, highlighting the market's volatility. Brazil's "Rota 2030" program, also known as "Mover," is expected to provide up to BRL 19 billion in tax incentives by 2028 to support sustainability in the automotive sector.

Top 10 destination countries by China’s new energy passenger vehicle exports

Belgium: 24,627 units in April and 88,944 units (+0.7% YoY) from January to April.

Brazil: 33,734 units in April and 67,960 units (-19.6% YoY) from January to April.

Mexico: 17,740 units in April and 56,825 units (+206.7% YoY) from January to April.

UK: 18,033 units in April and 50,446 units (-0.7% YoY) from January to April.

Australia: 12,841 units in April and 31,980 units (+3.4% YoY) from January to April.

Thailand: 9,694 units in April and 31,302 units (-3.3% YoY) from January to April.

United Arab Emirates: 5,492 units in April and 28,169 units (+17.1% YoY) from January to April.

Israel: 4,346 units in April and 23,965 units (+144.4% YoY) from January to April.

Spain: 8,198 units in April and 23,965 units (+10.9% YoY) from January to April.

Indonesia: 8,316 units in April and 22,626 units (+121.4% YoY) from January to April.

China's NEV export market clearly splits into three distinct tiers with noticeable differences.

Europe, as the top tier in terms of volume, is experiencing slowing growth: Belgium leads with 88,944 units and minimal growth of 0.7%; the UK's exports decline slightly by 0.7% to 50,446 units; while Spain shows resilience with a 10.9% increase.

In the second tier, Brazil ranks second with 67,960 units, showing strong monthly shipments of 33,734 units in April. However, cumulative exports from January to April drop sharply by 19.6% year-on-year, highlighting market volatility. Meanwhile, Mexico surges to the third place with 56,825 units, posting an impressive 206.7% year-on-year increase, cementing its role as a key market and regional production hub for Chinese brands in Latin America. Australia maintains relative stability with 31,980 units and a moderate 3.4% year-on-year growth.

Emerging markets in the third tier boast the strongest growth. Israel (23,965 units) and Indonesia (22,626 units) have quickly broken into the top 10 with explosive year-on-year increases of 144.4% and 121.4%, respectively, reflecting strong demand and huge potential for Chinese NEVs. The UAE (28,169 units) continues to grow steadily at 17%, while Thailand (31,302 units), though still sizable, has slipped slightly by 3.3%.

Top 10 Chinese passenger vehicle OEM exporters to Europe (Jan.–Apr. 2025)

SAIC PV: 98,956 units, up 8.6% year-on-year.

BYD Auto: 75,021 units, up 275.4% year-on-year.

Chery: 40,648 units, up 148.8% year-on-year.

Tesla: 32,153 units, down 42.6% year-on-year.

Geely Auto: 24,673 units, down 56.7% year-on-year.

Spotlight Automotive: 12,732 units, up 135.3% year-on-year.

eGT: 9,303 units, up 806.7% year-on-year.

Volkswagen Anhui: 6,432 units, up 4,664.4% year-on-year.

Leapmotor: 5,916 units, up 401.8% year-on-year.

Geely-Volvo: 4,705 units, down 29.5% year-on-year.

SAIC PV remains the top exporter to Europe, holding its leadership with 98,956 units despite a modest growth of 8.6%, due to its scale and early-mover advantage. BYD Auto is rapidly closing the gap, with exports surging 275.4% as its electrification strategy gains strong momentum across Europe. Chery Auto also posts strong momentum, locking in third place with a 148.8% year-on-year growth.

Emerging players like Volkswagen Anhui, eGT, and Leapmotor post staggering growth. Volkswagen Anhui breaks into the top eight with an explosive 4,664.4% surge, while eGT and Leapmotor posting soar of 806.7% and 401.8%, respectively—highlighting Europe's strong appetite for diverse, high-value NEVs. Spotlighting this trend, Spotlight Automotive also delivers an impressive 12,732 units (up 135.3% YoY).

The market tells a story of both strong performers and those facing headwinds. Tesla, Geely Auto, and Geely-Volvo are currently navigating short-term challenges. As Europe accelerates its vehicle electrification, Tesla's market share has been squeezed by the influx of Chinese brands, resulting in a year-on-year decline of over 40%. This contrast of winners and losers vividly reflects the market's accelerating shift towards NEVs.

Europe has become a key battleground in the global expansion of Chinese carmakers, with NEVs leading the charge. But fierce competition, stricter regulations, and rising trade barriers pose major challenges for Chinese brands aiming to build strong brand recognition.

Top 10 Chinese passenger vehicle OEM exporters to Southeast Asia (Jan.–Apr. 2025)

BYD Auto: 50,142 units, up 218.2% year-on-year.

Geely Auto: 28,017 units, up 73.2% year-on-year.

Chery Auto: 20,699 units, up 100.4% year-on-year.

Changan Auto: 9,108 units, down 23.1% year-on-year.

Jiangsu Yueda Kia: 6,929 units, up 24.8% year-on-year.

SAIC PV: 6,449 units, down 27.5% year-on-year.

Great Wall Motor: 5,229 units, down 14.1% year-on-year.

Jiangling Motors: 5,124 units, up 1.1% year-on-year.

SAIC-GM-Wuling: 3,699 units, down 56.2% year-on-year.

Tesla: 3,529 units, down 38.0% year-on-year.

The biggest highlight in the Southeast Asian market is BYD Auto's explosive growth. With exports exceeding 50,000 units (+218.2% YoY), BYD Auto has once again pulls far ahead of its competitors.

Following BYD Auto are Geely Auto and Chery Auto. Geely Auto ranks second with 28,017 units shipped, up 73.2% YoY, supported by a broad product range and an expanding presence in Southeast Asia. Chery Auto holds third place with 20,699 units, achieving a 100.4% increase. Their rapid growth reflects both the rising acceptance of Chinese vehicles in the region and effective strategies across both traditional and NEV segments.

Southeast Asian consumers increasingly favor Chinese brands offering stronger electrification, smarter technologies, or better cost performance. Going forward, building a competitive edge in NEVs and quickly adapting to the region's diverse demands will be crucial to sustaining growth in this market.

Top 10 Chinese passenger vehicle OEM exporters to North America (Jan.–Apr. 2025)

BYD Auto: 49,310 units, up 260.5% year-on-year.

SAIC-GM-Wuling: 34,034 units, up 7.1% year-on-year.

SAIC-GM: 11,064 units, up 215.2% year-on-year.

Jiangsu Yueda Kia: 10,899 units, up 2.1% year-on-year.

Changan Ford: 10,158 units, down 14.5% year-on-year.

Geely Auto: 9,617 units, up 7.9% year-on-year.

Chery Auto: 9,271 units, down 14.6% year-on-year.

GAC Trumpchi: 6,479 units, up 902.9% year-on-year.

Great Wall Motor: 6,453 units, up 51.5% year-on-year.

SAIC PV: 6,135 units, down 77.7% year-on-year.

In the North American market, BYD Auto once again demonstrates strong momentum, leading the rankings with 49,310 units exported (+260.5% YoY). SAIC-GM-Wuling follows closely with 34,034 units (+7.1% YoY). Meanwhile, SAIC-GM posts an impressive performance, ranking third with 11,064 units (+215.2% YoY). Several brands that excel in other export markets, such as Geely Auto (6th place, +7.9% YoY) and Great Wall Motor (9th place, +51.5% YoY), also maintain positive growth in North America.

GAC Trumpchi emerges as a breakout star in this market. Despite ranking eighth with 6,479 units shipped, its remarkable 902.9% YoY growth highlights its strong potential.

The North American market presents significant opportunities as well as unprecedented challenges for Chinese carmakers. BYD Auto's success demonstrates the global reach of China's leading NEV companies, driven by technological innovation. Meanwhile, SAIC-GM-Wuling taps into the differentiated market for pint-sized EVs, and SAIC-GM leverages its joint venture system to deliver solid results. Other brands such as Geely Auto and Great Wall Motor are making steady progress, while GAC Trumpchi emerges as a rising force with its explosive growth.

To establish a solid foothold and achieve sustainable growth in North America, Chinese brands need to develop a competitive and comprehensive product lineup, gain deep insights into local consumer preferences, build robust after-sales service and distribution networks, and leverage their technological leadership in electrification and intelligent systems for a distinct market advantage.

Top 10 Chinese passenger vehicle OEM exporters to Central and South America (Jan.–Apr. 2025)

BYD Auto: 57,850 units, down 15.3% year-on-year.

Chery Auto: 35,026 units, up 21.0% year-on-year.

Great Wall Motor: 25,780 units, up 61.3% year-on-year.

Jiangsu Yueda Kia: 15,896 units, up 13.5% year-on-year.

DFSK: 9,087 units, up 194.5% year-on-year.

Geely Auto: 8,558 units, down 17.4% year-on-year.

Jiangling Motors: 7,163 units, up 81.5% year-on-year.

SAIC PV: 5,984 units, up 5.7% year-on-year.

SAIC-GM-Wuling: 4,962 units, down 43.7% year-on-year.

Changan Auto: 4,300 units, down 39.3% year-on-year.

In Central and South America, BYD Auto secures the top position with 57,850 units, but its exports decline 15.3% year-on-year, suggesting the brand is entering a consolidation phase after its rapid early growth.

Chery Auto (2nd place, 35,026 units, +21.0% YoY) and Great Wall Motor (3th place, 25,780 units, +61.3% YoY) both deliver strong performances. Chery Auto consolidates its traditional advantage in the region with steady growth, supported by its long-established distribution and service networks. Great Wall Motor’s explosive growth stands out, driven by a product lineup that aligns well with local demand for versatile, high-value vehicles and backed by effective market expansion strategies.

Jiangsu Yueda Kia (4th place, 15,896 units, +13.5% YoY) and DFSK (5th place, 9,087 units, +194.5% YoY) continue to post solid growth. Jiangsu Yueda Kia leverages the reputation of its international parent brand and a stable, proven product lineup to secure steady shipments, while DFSK's sharp volume increase reflects its success in capturing demand from price-sensitive, underserved markets.

Top 10 Chinese passenger vehicle OEM exporters to Middle East (Jan.–Apr. 2025)

Chery Auto: 40,207 units, down 1.5% year-on-year.

Geely Auto: 32,079 units, up 6.7% year-on-year.

BYD Auto: 30,323 units, up 277.0% year-on-year.

Jiangsu Yueda Kia: 29,619 units, up 61.3% year-on-year.

SAIC PV: 28,287 units, down 15.4% year-on-year.

FAW-Toyota: 23,059 units, up 211.4% year-on-year.

Beijing Hyundai: 18,557 units, up 172.9% year-on-year.

Soueast Motor: 15,022 units, up 2,745.1% year-on-year.

Great Wall Motor: 10,993 units, up 50.9% year-on-year.

Changan Auto: 9,775 units, down 10.0% year-on-year.

The Middle East market remains a crucial battleground for Chinese carmakers, with varied brand performances. Chery Auto secures the top position with 40,207 units exported, experiencing a slight decline of 1.5%. Geely Auto follows closely with steady growth of 6.7%, shipping 32,079 units. BYD Auto stands out with a remarkable 277% YoY surge to 30,323 units, highlighting the region's rapidly growing demand for NEVs. Established players like Jiangsu Yueda Kia and FAW-Toyota also achieve robust growth of 61.3% and 211.4%, respectively, demonstrating how brand reputation and advanced technology drive success in this competitive market.

Notably, Southeast Auto surges to the eighth place with 15,022 units and an explosive 2,745.1% growth. The strong rebound of joint ventures like Beijing Hyundai (+172.9%) shows that, by optimizing product lineup and channel strategies, traditional gasoline-powered vehicles still hold significant resilience in the Middle East market.

Although Middle Eastern countries are major oil producers, nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are actively advancing their transition to new energy. This shift presents a breakthrough opportunity for Chinese EV manufacturers. Moving forward, the competition in the Middle East will hinge on the speed of electrification innovation and the ability to localize operations effectively.

Top 10 Chinese passenger vehicle OEM exporters to Oceania (Jan.–Apr. 2025)

SAIC PV: 18,080 units, up 9.1% year-on-year.

Great Wall Motor: 15,444 units, up 24.1% year-on-year.

Chery Auto: 12,634 units, up 394.3% year-on-year.

BYD Auto: 10,447 units, up 127.6% year-on-year.

Tesla: 9,931 units, down 57.3% year-on-year.

Geely Auto: 2,514 units, up 86.4% year-on-year.

Leapmotor: 1,628 units, up 13,466.7% year-on-year.

Jiangsu Yueda Kia: 1,404 units, up 487.4% year-on-year.

Spotlight Automotive: 1,254 units, up 3,945.2% year-on-year.

SAIC-Maxus: 1,171 units, up 92.3% year-on-year.

In the Oceania market, SAIC PV leads with 18,080 units shipped, maintaining steady growth of 9.1%, demonstrating its sustained influence in the region. Great Wall Motor follows closely with 15,444 units shipped, achieving a 24.1% YoY increase.

Multiple Chinese brands show impressive growth in Oceania. Chery Auto jumps to third with 12,634 units (+394.3% YoY), highlighting its strong market growth. BYD Auto also achieves 10,447 units (+127.6% YoY), highlighting strong demand for its NEVs in developed markets. Geely Auto, Jiangsu Yueda Kia, and SAIC-Maxus grow steadily by 86.4%, 487.4%, and 92.3% YoY, respectively. Leapmotor's explosive 13,466.7% surge and Spotlight Automotive's 3,945.2% rise reveal the huge potential and opportunities in this region.

Overall, China's passenger vehicle exports to Oceania show a clear pattern of diversification. While leading players maintain steady shipments, a number of emerging brands are delivering impressive growth. This highlights Oceania's rising strategic importance in Chinese carmakers' global expansion, as brands actively adapt to and compete in this relatively mature and demanding market.