Chinese EV Makers Go Global: BYD, Xiaomi, Geely, Chery — 2026-09-18
BYD has announced plans to establish four manufacturing plants in Europe to comply with emerging local content rules and support its record overseas sales. Meanwhile, Geely and Leapmotor are accelerating their international expansion, with Geely seeing massive growth in Latin America and Leapmotor preparing to launch plug-in hybrids abroad in 2027.
Chinese EV Makers Go Global: BYD, Xiaomi, Geely, Chery — 2026-09-18
Top developments
BYD Plans Four European Plants to Comply with EU Rules
On September 17, BYD confirmed plans to establish four plants in Europe over the long term, aiming to comply with emerging local-manufacturing rules and win over more customers. The company expects to select its second assembly site in Spain or France by the end of this year, with a third vehicle plant and a battery factory also in the pipeline. This move is designed to anchor BYD's regional push and mitigate the impact of EU countervailing duties on Chinese-made EVs.
Geely Surges 410% in Central & South America
Data from Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute shows that Geely Auto's exports surged by 410.7% in Central and South America between January and July 2026. This explosive growth highlights the effectiveness of Geely's localized strategy in these regions, contrasting with the more moderate pace of BYD's growth in the same period. The surge underscores the divergent paths Chinese automakers are taking in different global markets.
Leapmotor to Launch Overseas PHEVs in 2027
Leapmotor is reportedly planning to launch plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in overseas markets as early as the first half of 2027. This expansion into PHEVs represents a strategic diversification for Leapmotor, which has primarily focused on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) so far. The move aims to capture broader market segments where full electrification adoption may be slower.
BYD Overseas Sales Hit Record Highs, Breaking 2026 Targets
BYD's overseas sales reached a record 188,746 units in August 2026, representing 43.4% of its total monthly sales. This surge has led analysts to believe BYD will break its 2026 overseas sales target, with a new goal of 2.5 million units set for 2027. Strong performance in Brazil and Europe is driving this growth, supported by expanded shipping capacity and new local factories.
Local view
Local media outlets like Huxiu report that EU pressure on Chinese hybrid cars, including threats of tariffs and a 15% market share red line, is forcing Chinese automakers to shift from exporting to local production. The strategy is clear: if tariffs target Chinese-made cars, building factories in Europe (like BYD in Hungary and Turkey, or Chery in Spain) allows them to produce and sell locally, bypassing these barriers.
Context & numbers
- BYD August Sales: 188,746 overseas units (up 134.6% YoY), accounting for 43.4% of total sales.
- Geely Regional Growth: 410.7% increase in exports to Central & South America (Jan-Jul 2026).
- Leapmotor Exports: Cumulative overseas exports of 132,118 units from Jan-Aug 2026.
- EU Tariffs: Definitive countervailing duties on Chinese BEVs range from 7.8% to 35.3%, applicable since October 2024.
On the radar
- Second European Site Selection: BYD is expected to choose between Spain and France for its second assembly plant by the end of 2026.
- US Congressional Pressure: Reports indicate US Congress members are labeling BYD a "Pentagon-designated Chinese military company," potentially blocking any future entry into the US market.
- Leapmotor PHEV Timeline: Keep an eye on Leapmotor's development progress for its first overseas PHEV models, targeted for H1 2027.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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