Chinese EV Makers Go Global: BYD, Xiaomi, Geely, Chery — 2026-09-13
BYD has aggressively expanded its logistics capabilities by ordering ten additional car carriers to support its target of 2 million overseas sales in 2026, while UBS projects Chinese automakers could capture up to 37% of the global market by 2030. Meanwhile, Leapmotor has surpassed 100,000 overseas sales this year, and Geely is preparing to launch the new EX5 with significant domestic and international ambitions.
Chinese EV Makers Go Global: BYD, Xiaomi, Geely, Chery — 2026-09-13
Top developments
BYD Expands Fleet with 10 New Car Carriers
On September 11, it was reported that BYD has ordered 10 additional vessels, each with a capacity of 9,200 car equivalent units (CEU), expanding its fleet to 18 ships. This move directly supports BYD’s revised target of selling 1.9 to 2 million vehicles overseas in 2026, a figure that has already been surpassed in the first half of the year due to strong demand in Europe and Brazil. The expansion highlights the critical infrastructure investment required to sustain export volumes amid global shipping constraints.
UBS Forecasts 37% Global Share for Chinese Carmakers by 2030
In a report released on September 12, UBS analysts projected that leading Chinese automakers—including BYD, Geely, Chery, SAIC, Leapmotor, and Xiaomi—could collectively hold a 37% share of the global auto market by 2030 under a base case scenario. An upside scenario suggests their global share could reach 45%, with a 30% share specifically in Europe. This forecast underscores the structural shift in the global automotive landscape as Chinese brands leverage cost advantages and rapid EV innovation to challenge incumbent Western and Japanese manufacturers.
Leapmotor Hits 100,000 Overseas Sales Milestone
Leapmotor announced on September 13 that its cumulative overseas sales for 2026 have exceeded 100,000 units. The brand is preparing to launch the European version of its A10 model, further solidifying its presence in key markets. This milestone demonstrates the effectiveness of Leapmotor’s partnership with Stellantis, which provides access to established distribution networks across Europe, allowing the brand to scale rapidly despite being a newer entrant compared to giants like BYD.
Geely Unveils New EX5 with Large Frunk Ahead of Launch
On September 13, Geely revealed details of the all-new EX5, highlighting its spacious front trunk (frunk) ahead of its official launch scheduled for September 21. While primarily focused on the Chinese market initially, the EX5 represents Geely’s continued push into the competitive compact SUV segment, which is crucial for maintaining volume in both domestic and export markets. Geely’s strategy involves leveraging platforms like SEA to produce vehicles that are cost-effective enough to compete globally despite tariff barriers.
Local view
Local Chinese media outlets are focusing heavily on the divergence between domestic sales struggles and overseas growth. NewsCase reported that BYD’s overseas revenue reached 53% of its total first-half revenue, marking a historic "over-half turning point" where international markets have become more profitable than the domestic market. This shift is driven by intense price wars in China, which eroded margins, whereas overseas markets offer higher profitability. Management has explicitly stated that overseas expansion is no longer optional but essential for survival, targeting 2.5 million overseas sales by 2027.
Context & numbers
- BYD Overseas Sales: BYD sold 189,466 units overseas in August 2026, accounting for over 43% of total group sales. Domestic sales fell 32.72% year-on-year in the same period, highlighting the reliance on exports.
- Export Volumes: China’s NEV exports reached 553,000 units in July 2026. Russia remains the top export destination (542,900 units Jan-July), followed by Brazil (427,700 units) and the UK (320,500 units).
- Xiaomi Deliveries: Xiaomi Auto delivered over 30,000 units in August 2026, continuing its momentum since the SU7 launch. Cumulative deliveries have surpassed 800,000 units as of early September.
On the radar
- Geely EX5 Launch: Official market launch scheduled for September 21, 2026. Watch for pricing strategies which may influence competitor responses in the compact EV segment.
- Li Auto European Debut: Li Auto is set to debut the Li i6 (as the Li 6) in Europe in October 2026, with sales expected to begin later in the year. This marks another major premium Chinese brand entering the EU market.
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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