At the 140th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), the New-Energy Vehicle and Smart-Mobility zone has drawn a flood of overseas buyers who sit in the cars, test features and negotiate prices with Chinese automakers — a vivid snapshot of China's NEV industry leading the world.
"What we need to do now is strengthen cooperation with Chinese companies and become agents before others do, to sell Chinese NEVs back to Europe," said Calzada Amorrortu Martin, a Spanish buyer, in an interview with China News Service in Guangzhou. He plans to start with distribution and later introduce Chinese technology and localize production. Another Spanish buyer said he intends to partner with Chinese firms on charging infrastructure.
Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers cited in the report show China's NEV exports reached 4.006 million units in the first three quarters of 2026, up 130% year on year — far outpacing overall auto-export growth — with NEVs accounting for more than 50% of total auto exports for four consecutive months.
Behind the numbers is Chinese automakers' relentless technology and market expansion. At GAC's booth, the Qijing GX7 and DC super-charging piles drew crowds; by September GAC had built 7 overseas plants, 9 parts hubs and 4 global R&D centers. New-energy heavy trucks also appeared at the fair, with Hong Kong buyer Tsang Kwai-yin planning to ship them to Britain and Canada.
