Published: 12:29, August 20, 2026
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Chinese automakers building more factories overseas
By Ren Qi

Chinese automakers are accelerating their global expansion by integrating their entire industry chains into local economies, providing safe, eco-friendly and smart mobility solutions that boost local employment and economic growth worldwide.

Shaanxi Automobile Holding Group (Shacman), a Xi'an-based automaker, is not only exporting traditional fuel heavy trucks, but also accelerating its global push for eco-friendly vehicles.

Its new energy vehicles have reached developed markets like the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Australia, as well as partner countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

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Expanding global NEV market share is just one part of a broader strategy to take the entire industry chain global. Beyond selling products, Shacman has developed a diversified industrial ecosystem overseas.

It has built factories in 17 BRI partner countries, employing a large number of local workers for assembly and marketing.

Zheng Hui, head of Shacman's import and export market department, said the company has dispatched staff to over 70 countries and regions, deeply integrating into local economic and social development to provide comprehensive solutions for local production and convenient mobility.

This approach is echoed across the industry. From Great Wall Motors' completed plant in Brazil and BYD's planned assembly plant in Malaysia, to SAIC-GM-Wuling's 3 millionth NEV rolling off the production line in Indonesia, Chinese automakers are bringing factories to the doorsteps of global consumers, directly driving local economic growth.

Geely, one of China's top auto exporters, operates world-class manufacturing plants and over 4,000 sales networks in countries including the United States, the UK and Sweden.

In Guinea, Shacman supported the construction of a landmark BRI railway project that connects high-quality iron ore to the international market while boosting local employment.

High intelligence is another key factor winning global acclaim. Sun Jian, vice-president of Neusoft Reach Automotive Technology (Shenyang) Co, said the company's self-developed auto operating system has achieved mass production globally, establishing deep cooperation with over 150 domestic and international partners to align Chinese standards with international ones.

China's auto industry is no longer just an important force in global manufacturing, but a crucial driver in reshaping the future landscape of global automotive cooperation, said Zhang Yongwei, vice-president and secretary-general of research institution China EV100.

In addition to building plants overseas, China continues to solidify its strength among auto-exporting nations, especially to BRI partner markets.

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In Mexico City, buses transporting football fans for the recent World Cup matches were manufactured by Yutong, a commercial vehicle maker based in Henan province. Of the 800 new energy shuttle buses officially deployed for the event, 95 percent were Chinese brands, with Yutong alone accounting for 85 percent. This serves as a microcosm of the growing global popularity of Chinese vehicles.

The export momentum remains robust. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said the country's auto exports reached 930,000 units in May, surging 68.7 percent year-on-year and maintaining a level above 900,000 units for two consecutive months.

Furthermore, the latest data released by the China Passenger Car Association show that in July, new energy vehicle exports hit 540,000 units, a staggering 147.8 percent year-on-year increase and an 8.1 percent month-on-month growth.

 

Contact the writers at renqi@chinadaily.com.cn