Chinese EV Makers Go Global: BYD, Xiaomi, Geely, Chery — 2026-10-07
BYD’s September exports surged 154% year-over-year, accounting for nearly 40% of its total sales as domestic demand softened. Meanwhile, Leapmotor and Zeekr set new monthly delivery records in China, with Leapmotor surpassing 100,000 units for the third consecutive month. Li Auto has officially confirmed plans to enter Thailand by the end of 2026, expanding the competitive landscape in Southeast Asia.
Chinese EV Makers Go Global: BYD, Xiaomi, Geely, Chery — 2026-10-07
Top developments
BYD Exports Surge to Nearly 40% of Total Sales
In September 2026, BYD sold a total of 463,561 vehicles, with overseas shipments reaching 179,900 units. This represents a 154% year-over-year jump in exports and accounts for approximately 38.8% of the company's total volume. The data highlights a strategic pivot where international markets are offsetting slower growth in China, supporting BYD’s revised annual overseas target of up to 2 million units.
Li Auto Confirms Thailand Entry by End of 2026
Li Auto announced on October 7, 2026, that it will enter the Thai market by the end of this year. This move positions Li Auto as another major Chinese premium EV brand targeting right-hand-drive (RHD) markets in Southeast Asia. This expansion intensifies competition with existing Chinese players like BYD and Chery, which have already established strong footholds in the region through local production and aggressive pricing.
Leapmotor Sets New Monthly Record; Xiaomi Hits 40k Deliveries
Leapmotor delivered over 100,000 vehicles in September 2026, marking its third consecutive month above the 100,000-unit threshold. This momentum is critical for its global expansion strategy, particularly in Europe where it is leveraging its partnership with Stellantis. Simultaneously, Xiaomi Auto surpassed 40,000 deliveries in September, its highest monthly figure this year, driven by the new "Pengcheng" series which delivered over 10,000 units in its first month.
Chery’s UK Sales Drive Export Success
Chery Group reported September sales of 292,308 units, with exports exceeding 207,800 units—the second time this year monthly exports surpassed 200,000. The UK has emerged as a top export destination, helping Chery maintain strong overseas momentum despite domestic price wars. Chery’s ability to sustain high export volumes underscores the importance of key European markets in balancing its global portfolio.
BYD Racco Kei EV Expands Beyond Japan
BYD’s compact "Racco" Kei EV, initially launched in Japan, is now preparing for launches in Sri Lanka and Macau. This move signals BYD’s strategy to deploy niche, localized models in smaller RHD markets rather than relying solely on mass-market exports.
Local view
Chinese social media and industry analysts are highlighting the "second growth curve" provided by overseas expansion. A popular automotive blogger noted that while domestic luxury brands struggle with inventory pressure, Chinese EV makers like BYD and Leapmotor are finding their second growth curve through exports, with BYD’s monthly sales breaking 460,000 and Leapmotor stabilizing at the 100,000-unit level. Data shared on Weibo shows that in the first eight months of 2026, Geely’s sales in Europe grew by over 2,000% year-over-year, while BYD’s cumulative European sales surpassed 200,000 units.
Context & numbers
- BYD September 2026: Total sales 463,561; Overseas sales 179,900 (~38.8% share); Export YoY growth +154%.
- Leapmotor September 2026: Deliveries >100,000 units (record high).
- Xiaomi Auto September 2026: Deliveries >40,000 units; Cumulative deliveries >800,000 units.
- Chery September 2026: Total sales 292,308; Exports >207,800 units.
- European Market Share (Jan-Aug 2026): BYD led Chinese brands in Europe with ~209,000 units sold across 18 countries.
On the radar
- Li Auto Thailand Launch: Official market entry expected by December 2026.
- BYD Racco Launches: Sri Lanka and Macau launches are imminent following the Japanese success.
- EU Price Undertakings: Following the January 2026 guidance, watch for additional Chinese manufacturers accepting minimum import prices to avoid tariffs, similar to the Volkswagen (Anhui) precedent.
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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