China has emerged as the world’s largest vehicle exporter, surpassing Japan in recent years. According to data from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Japan finished second behind China in vehicle exports, with a total of 2.02 million vehicles exported worldwide during the first six months of the year. This figure consisted of 1.83 million passenger vehicles and approximately 187,000 commercial vehicles. Despite a slight 0.3% decline year over year, Japan’s vehicle exports remain significant in the global market.
In contrast, Chinese manufacturers have seen a significant increase in vehicle exports, with more than 2.79 million vehicles exported during the same period. This represents a remarkable 31% increase compared to the previous year. The exports from China included 2.34 million passenger vehicles and 450,000 commercial vehicles, showcasing the country’s growing presence in the global automotive industry.
While Chinese car brands are often associated with new and innovative electric vehicles (EVs) and other electrified models, the majority of vehicles exported from China were traditional combustion-powered vehicles. Only 605,000 of the exported vehicles were BEVs or other electrified models, while 2.19 million vehicles were conventional combustion-powered vehicles. This highlights the diversity of the Chinese automotive market and its ability to cater to different consumer preferences worldwide.
The top five vehicle exporters in China included Chery Automobile, SAIC Motor Corp, Changan Automobile Co, Geely Automobile Holdings, and BYD. Chery led the way with 532,000 exports, followed by SAIC with 439,000, Changan with 285,000, Geely with 242,000, and BYD with 207,000 vehicles exported in the first half of the year. These manufacturers have played a crucial role in China’s rise as the world’s largest vehicle exporter.
In 2023, Chinese car brands exported approximately 5.26 million vehicles, surpassing Japan and claiming the title of the world’s largest vehicle exporter. If China’s strong performance in the first half of the year continues into the second half, the country could potentially export more than 5.58 million vehicles by the end of the year. This growth underscores China’s dominance in the global automotive market and its ability to compete with established players like Japan on a global scale.
Overall, China’s emergence as the world’s largest vehicle exporter signifies a significant shift in the automotive industry. With a diverse range of vehicles exported, including both traditional combustion-powered models and innovative electrified vehicles, Chinese manufacturers are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of consumers worldwide. As China continues to expand its presence in the global automotive market, it is clear that the era of Chinese cars is well and truly upon us.