China Passenger Vehicle Exports by Region in Q1 2026: Strong Growth in Europe and Latin America, Pressure in North America, Shift in Middle East Momentum

In the first quarter of 2026, China's passenger vehicle exports exhibited significant regional divergence. In the European market, Chery led with exports of 105,837 units, surging 215.6% year-on-year, followed closely by SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle (88,238 units, +26.0%) and BYD (67,969 units, +26.6%), forming the top tier. Leapmotor exported 25,100 units, up 397.2% year-on-year; Geely exported 25,438 units, rising 53.4%; and SAIC-GM-Wuling exported 7,664 units, soaring 1,099.4% year-on-year. All top ten automakers recorded positive growth. In Southeast Asia, Geely ranked first with exports of 34,185 units, up 110.9% year-on-year. BYD exported 21,893 units, down 19.9% year-on-year; Leapmotor exported 5,734 units, surging 431.9% year-on-year; and most other brands—including JMC, Great Wall, and SAIC-GM-Wuling—achieved growth exceeding 70%. The North American market faced overall pressure, with only SAIC-GM-Wuling (35,235 units, +40.1%), SAIC General Motors (13,529 units, +44.6%), and Changan Ford (9,655 units, +21.9%) maintaining growth. Geely, GAC Trumpchi, and SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle all saw declines exceeding 40% year-on-year, with SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle exporting just 1,001 units, down 80.5%. Leapmotor entered the top ten for the first time, exporting 2,200 units, with no comparable year-on-year data available. Central and South America emerged as the strongest growth pole. BYD topped the region with exports of 101,132 units, up 302.8% year-on-year; Geely exported 31,379 units, soaring 488.9%; Changan Auto exported 12,333 units, up 399.3%; and Tesla exported 10,507 units, skyrocketing 2,309.9% year-on-year. All listed automakers posted positive growth. In the Middle East, a transition between old and new drivers became evident. Chery remained in first place with exports of 56,248 units but declined 39.0% year-on-year; BYD exported 33,171 units, up 35.6%; while Great Wall, Karry, and Dongfeng Passenger Vehicle grew by 40.0%, 82.2%, and 178.8%, respectively. Traditional brands such as Geely, Changan, and Beijing Hyundai all saw export volumes drop by over 40% year-on-year. Overall, China’s passenger vehicle exports have entered a phase of regionally differentiated, in-depth development, where product adaptability, localized operational capabilities, and compliance standards have become key determinants of competitiveness across markets.