High-tech driving new energy vehicle exports

As China's new energy vehicle manufacturers continue to upgrade their technology and improve their production efficiency, exports have been booming.

In Yuyao, Ningbo, Zhejiang province, the Lynk & Co factory has achieved higher value-added production through a highly automated production line, with many of its cars exported overseas.

"Currently, 100 percent processes such as stamping and spot welding are automated," said Chen Lei, general manager of the factory.

Lynk & Co exported 23,984 vehicles overseas in the first three quarters of 2022. The core competitiveness of their product is the key to expanding their global markets, Chen said. "We will continue to keep tabs on overseas markets and customer needs, while striving to increase global recognition."

Zhejiang Songyuan Automotive Safety Systems Co, an auto parts company in Yuyao, specializes in the R&D and manufacturing of passive safety systems such as seat belts, airbags and special seats. In 2022, the company's sales increased by about 40 percent.

"Passive safety systems are core components of automobiles. The company's annual R&D investment accounts for more than 4 percent of its sales," said Ye Xing, the company's board secretary.

China's auto companies exported 593,000 new energy vehicles from January to November 2022, a twofold increase year-on-year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Yang Yiqing, a professor at Zhejiang Gongshang University, said that in recent years, China's car companies have invested heavily in design, manufacturing and R&D, which has greatly enhancing their competitiveness.

In addition to more attractive products, China's export boom in new energy vehicles also relies on a strong supply chain.

To improve the logistics and supply chain efficiency, the Meixi RORO Terminal in the Meishan port area of Ningbo Zhoushan Port established close cooperation with domestic engine factories and foreign trade shipping companies.

"In 2022, the terminal saw a total of 39 RORO ships loaded for export, with more than 80,000 vehicles handled, a significant year-on-year increase," said Han Dong, deputy general manager of Ningbo Meidong Container Terminal Co, which manages the Meixi RORO Terminal.

Moreover, railway have taken corresponding measures. Restrictions on the transportation of new energy vehicles via rail were removed in October 2022, National Railway Group noted.

"New energy vehicle transport brings new opportunities for railway freight," said Lyu Xiaoqing, an official with China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group.

Railways will maintain close contact with domestic automobile manufacturers and seek to stabilize overseas transportation through the China-Europe Railway Express, Lyu said.

Fang Xiaoying contributed to this story.