As domestic competition intensifies, Chinese automakers including BYD, GAC Group, Changan Auto, Xpeng and Seres are shifting their overseas strategy from simple vehicle exports to localized production, distribution, service and technology, China Economic Net reported on September 14.
In the first half of 2026, BYD's overseas sales reached 790,000 units, up 68% year on year, spanning more than 120 countries and regions. Changan delivered 402,000 units overseas (up 35.1%). GAC's own-brand exports hit 172,000 units in January-August (up 136%), with August alone up 177%. Xpeng's overseas sales surpassed 20,000 units in August, up 81%, with its overseas revenue contribution rising to 25% in the first half.
Localization is advancing on multiple fronts. In August, GAC partnered with Aljomaih to launch local production in Egypt and is extending channels across Europe, Africa and Australia; Xpeng plans to roll out its L03 model to 65 countries and regions while expanding its Australian sales and service network; BYD intends to deploy 6,000 overseas supercharging stations within a year. GAC's Africa terminal sales rose 881% in August, while its Middle East user base has surpassed 100,000.
Wang Peng, an associate researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, noted that Chinese automakers' globalization has moved from pure product output into a stage of localized operation and systematic competition, with leading players extending R&D, manufacturing, channels and services into overseas markets.
Source: China Economic Net / China Business Journal.
