China's passenger vehicle exports in Q1 2026: High growth in Europe and Central and South America, pressure on North America, and a shift in growth momentum in the Middle East.

In the first quarter of 2026, China's passenger vehicle exports showed a significant regional differentiation. In the European market, Chery Automobile ranked first with exports of 105,837 vehicles and a year-on-year increase of 215.61 TP3T. SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle (88,238 vehicles, +26.01 TP3T) and BYD (67,969 vehicles, +26.61 TP3T) followed closely behind, forming the first tier. Leapmotor exported 25,100 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 397.21 TP3T; Geely Automobile exported 25,438 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 53.41 TP3T; and SAIC-GM-Wuling exported 7,664 vehicles, a surge of 1099.41 TP3T year-on-year. All of the top ten automakers achieved positive growth.

In the Southeast Asian market, Geely Automobile ranked first with exports of 34,185 vehicles and a year-on-year increase of 110.91 TP3T; BYD exported 21,893 vehicles, a year-on-year decrease of 19.91 TP3T; Leapmotor exported 5,734 vehicles, a significant year-on-year increase of 431.91 TP3T; and most brands, including Jiangling, Great Wall, and SAIC-GM-Wuling, achieved growth of over 701 TP3T. The North American market was under overall pressure, with only SAIC-GM-Wuling (35,235 vehicles, +40.11 TP3T), SAIC-GM (13,529 vehicles, +44.61 TP3T), and Changan Ford (9,655 vehicles, +21.91 TP3T) maintaining growth. Geely, GAC Trumpchi, and SAIC Motor saw year-on-year declines exceeding 401 TP3T, with SAIC Motor exporting 1,001 vehicles, a year-on-year decrease of 80.51 TP3T. Leapmotor entered the top ten for the first time, exporting 2,200 vehicles, with no year-on-year data available.

Central and South America emerged as the strongest growth engine, with BYD leading the pack with 101,132 vehicles exported and a year-on-year increase of 302.81 TP3T. Geely exported 31,379 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 488.91 TP3T; Changan Automobile exported 12,333 vehicles, an increase of 399.31 TP3T; and Tesla exported 10,507 vehicles, a year-on-year surge of 2309.91 TP3T. All listed automakers achieved positive growth. The Middle East market saw a shift from old to new growth drivers. Chery remained in first place with 56,248 vehicles exported, but this was a year-on-year decrease of 39.01 TP3T; BYD exported 33,171 vehicles, an increase of 35.61 TP3T; Great Wall, Karry, and Dongfeng Passenger Vehicles saw increases of 40.01 TP3T, 82.21 TP3T, and 178.81 TP3T, respectively. Traditional brands such as Geely, Changan, and Beijing Hyundai all experienced year-on-year declines in exports exceeding 401 TP3T.

Overall, China's passenger vehicle exports have entered a stage of in-depth regional differentiation, with product adaptability, localized operation capabilities, and compliance levels becoming key elements of competitiveness in various markets.