In May 2026, Chery exported 181,871 vehicles, surging 80.5% YoY, setting a new monthly export record for the third consecutive month. Cumulative Jan-May exports exceeded 700,000 units, equivalent to one Chery vehicle shipping overseas every 17 seconds. Chery currently operates 28 overseas factories across Europe, Latin America, Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. BYD sold 383,500 NEVs in May, while Geely moved 236,000 units. China's "Big Three" are reshaping the global automotive landscape.
Chery Exports Break Records Again
May Performance
- Total sales reached
247,800 units, up
20.5% YoY
- Exports hit
181,871 units, surging
80.5% YoY
- Third consecutive monthly export record
- Jan-May cumulative exports exceeded 700,000 units
- One Chery vehicle ships overseas every 17 seconds
Global Manufacturing Network
-
28 overseas factories
- Coverage: Europe, Latin America, Russia, Central Asia, Middle East
| Market Region | Jan-Apr Export Performance | Competitive Position |
|---|
| Europe | 147,771 units | Leading, followed by SAIC and BYD |
| Russia, Brazil | Market share exceeds local brands | Strong positioning |
| Middle East, CIS | Comprehensive breakthrough | Multi-region growth |
BYD and Geely Chase Closely
BYD's Strong Rebound
- May NEV sales:
383,500 units, passenger vehicles
376,900
- MoM growth:
20%
- Indonesia Subang plant
90% complete, annual capacity
150,000 units
- Indonesia EV market share exceeded
52% last year
Geely's Steady Climb
- May total sales: approximately
236,000 units, Galaxy brand particularly strong
- EU+UK+EFTA Jan-Apr exports:
24,678 units, ranking second
- Southeast Asia exports:
24,351 units, ranking third
- Central America & South America exports exceeded
20,000 units
Export Landscape Reshaped
Regional Competition Intensifies
- Chery leads strongly in the EU+UK+EFTA core market, complemented by multi-region growth for comprehensive breakthrough
- Geely leverages a stable three-pole layout of CIS, Central & South America, and mature European markets
| Automaker | Jan-Apr Central & South America Exports | YoY Growth | Rank |
|---|
| BYD | 162,219 units | +180.2% | First |
| Chery | 69,257 units | +97.4% | Second |
| Geely | 49,296 units | +464.9% | Third |
Chinese Automakers' Global Footprint
- Self-owned brand overseas market share: Russia dominates, Oceania and Africa exceed
20%
- Central & South America, Middle East, Southeast Asia around
15%
- China's NEV global share reached
61%
- Europe
17%
- Southern Hemisphere
79%
- Southeast Asia and West Asia around
46%
BYD Regional Export Structure (April 2026)
| Rank | Region | Export Volume |
|------|--------|---------------|
| First | Central America & South America |
61,087 units |
| Second | EU+UK+EFTA |
30,345 units |
Policy Impact
- Since January 1, 2026, BEV exports require official licenses
- Battery export tax rebates phased down:
- December 2024: from 13% to 9%
- April 1 - December 31, 2026: down to 6%
- From January 1, 2027: full cancellation
- Chinese vehicles remain highly cost-competitive. EX1000.COM tracks Chinese automaker developments
