Chinese NEVs gain popularity abroad

China-made new energy vehicles are becoming popular in overseas markets, which is expected to fuel the upward spiral of the country's vehicle exports.

In March, NEV makers operating in the country, including foreign ones such as Tesla, shipped more than 143,000 vehicles overseas, up 6.4 percent compared with same period last year, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association.

The continuous rise came when exports of passenger cars fell 8 percent to 391,000 units that month.

For NEVs, Europe and Southeast Asia are among the top destinations. Last week, BYD introduced its alternative premium brand, Denza, to the European market with a brand launch in Milan, Italy.

Denza unveiled the Z9 GT station wagon at the Milan Design Week, which ran from April 6 to 13. The model is expected to hit European showrooms in the fourth quarter.

The model impressed attendees with its signature features, including parking assist, high-speed tire blowout stability control, extreme steering capabilities, a tight turning circle, and intelligent crab walking capabilities.

Since 2024, the brand has entered several Asian markets, including China's Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It also plans to enter dozens of European countries within the next two years.

State-owned GAC also made a splash at the Milan Design Week, where the Aion UT made its European debut. The electric hatchback, born in the carmaker's Milan Advanced Design Center, harmonizes Italian design aesthetics with local market preferences.

Among other things, it features a 14.6-inch central touch screen, an 8.88-inch digital instrument display, and Level 2 driving assistance.

Its second-generation Magazine Battery enables fast charging from 30 percent to 80 percent in just 24 minutes. Analysts say the model will take on local European models like the Volkswagen ID.3.

Thomas Schemera, chief operating officer of GAC International, said: "By empowering production through design, we aim to deliver products with outstanding design, top-tier quality, and pioneering technology — ultimately creating better mobility experiences for European consumers."

The growing popularity of Chinese NEVs is expected to boost the country's total vehicle exports this year.

The trade conflict between the United States and China won't have much effect on domestic automakers, as the US is a tiny market for Chinese cars, the CPCA said.

China shipped a total of 6.41 million vehicles overseas in 2024, a surge of 23 percent year-on-year. The top five countries driving China's growth in vehicle exports were Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Belgium and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, some carmakers are stepping up efforts to produce vehicles in overseas markets.

Chery was the first to establish a European manufacturing plant. Located in Barcelona, Spain, the plant will produce Chery's Omoda 5 SUV, among other models.

Chery, the partner of British premium carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, is also planning to set up a $1 billion plant in Turkiye, Bloomberg reported in late March, citing the country's industry ministry.

It will make EVs and components at the new facility in Samsun, which will have an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles, said the media group.

These strategic moves underscore Chinese automakers' dedication to establishing a robust international presence, leveraging technological innovation, and localized production to navigate the complexities of global trade and meet diverse consumer preferences, said analysts.