Chinese EV Makers Go Global: BYD, Xiaomi, Geely, Chery — 2026-09-16
BYD has reportedly ordered 10 additional car carriers to expand its logistics fleet, signaling a massive push to support record overseas sales volumes. Meanwhile, Leapmotor announced plans to launch plug-in hybrid models in overseas markets by early 2027, expanding its international portfolio beyond pure electric vehicles.
Chinese EV Makers Go Global: BYD, Xiaomi, Geely, Chery — 2026-09-16
Top developments
BYD Expands Shipping Fleet with 10 New Vessels
On September 11, 2026, reports indicated that BYD has ordered 10 additional car carriers, each with a capacity of 9,200 car equivalent units (CEU). This expansion would bring BYD’s total fleet to 18 ships, significantly increasing its capacity to transport vehicles to overseas markets. This move is critical for sustaining the momentum of BYD’s export growth, which saw August overseas sales hit a record 188,746 units, up 134.6% year-on-year. The logistics upgrade supports the company’s target of selling up to 2 million vehicles overseas in 2026 and over 2.5 million in 2027.
Leapmotor to Introduce PHEVs in Overseas Markets
Leapmotor is planning to launch plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models in overseas markets as early as the first half of 2027. According to reports from September 14, 2026, the company is increasing investment in PHEV technology to diversify its international lineup and address varying market needs where pure EVs may face infrastructure or preference barriers. This strategic shift aims to broaden Leapmotor’s appeal in regions like Europe and Southeast Asia, complementing its existing BEV offerings like the B10, which recently achieved strong sales in Italy and Spain.
Geely Surges in Central & South America Exports
Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute data released on September 15, 2026, highlights that Geely Auto’s exports to Central and South America surged by 410.7% between January and July 2026. This explosive growth places Geely in the second tier of Chinese passenger vehicle exporters, alongside Tesla and Leapmotor. The surge reflects successful channel expansion and product cycle alignment in key Latin American markets, reinforcing the region's status as a critical growth engine for Chinese automakers facing intense competition at home.
China’s Total Vehicle Exports Beat 2025 Full-Year Total
By August 2026, China had exported 7.15 million vehicles, surpassing the total export volume for the entire year of 2025. Passenger car exports in August alone jumped 67.1% year-on-year to approximately 890,000 units, driven largely by new energy vehicles (NEVs). This milestone underscores the structural shift in China’s auto industry, where exports now account for 37% of total sales, helping offset domestic price wars and slowing local demand.
Local view
Chinese media outlets are highlighting BYD’s "second growth engine" narrative, noting that overseas sales now constitute over 43% of BYD’s total sales volume. Weibo posts and industry analyses emphasize that this shift allows BYD to mitigate the impact of domestic price wars and declining local market share. Reports from Ifeng Auto also detail Leapmotor’s success in Europe, specifically mentioning that the B10 model ranked in the top three for pure electric sales in Italy and Spain, validating the effectiveness of their European distribution strategy.
Context & numbers
- BYD August Overseas Sales: 188,746 units (record high), +134.6% YoY.
- Leapmotor Jan-Aug Overseas Exports: 132,118 units cumulative; B10 single-month export ~12,000 units in August.
- China Total Exports (Jan-Aug 2026): 7.15 million units, exceeding full-year 2025 totals.
- Geely Central/South America Export Growth: +410.7% (Jan-July 2026).
On the radar
- Leapmotor PHEV Timeline: Watch for official announcements regarding specific PHEV models and target markets ahead of the expected H1 2027 launch.
- BYD Fleet Integration: Monitor when the new batch of 10 car carriers enters service and how it impacts delivery lead times to Europe and South America.
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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