TOP 5 Chinese export record holders
In 2021, Chinese car exports grew 100% year on year and set a record of 2.015 million units exported. Of these, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), 1.6 million were for passenger cars, 402,000 for commercial vehicles and 310,000 for vehicles powered by alternative energy sources. Let’s see which Chinese companies top the list. Discover the TOP 5 Chinese export record holders.
5 place: Changan Automobile
In 2021, Changan Automobile exported more than 110,000 vehicles, which is 114% more than in 2020. The best-selling models in foreign markets are the Changan CS75 Plus mid-size SUV, the Changan Eado Plus sedn and the Changan CS35 Plus compact SUV. Changan is the first Chinese manufacturer to deliver to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Peru and Bolivia.
4 place: Geely
In 2021, Geely’s total car export volume reached 115,000, or 58% more than a year earlier. In particular, the Lynk&Co brand, which is part of Geely Holding and equally owned by Geely Auto and Volvo, delivered more than 11.6 cars to the European market. The Geely Geometry C electric SUV from Geely’s sub-brand, Geometry, is already delivered to Israel. 227 Geely dealers are already operating overseas. By 2025, the company plans to triple its dealer network, increase exports to 600,000 vehicles and expand into new markets in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia East, Africa and South America.
3 place: Great Wall Motor
In 2021, Great Wall Motor’s export sales exceeded 140,000 vehicles and increased 104% from the previous year. To date, more than 900,000 company vehicles have been sold worldwide. They are sold in 170 countries.
2 place: Chery
2021 marks the 20th anniversary of Chery’s entry into overseas markets. In 2021, 270,000 cars were exported, which is 136% more than in 2020. The total number of global sales (including China) exceeded 730,000 units. The most popular model in the range is the 7-seater SUV, the Chery Tiggo 8, chosen by more than 100,000 consumers. In 2022, sales of the Chery eQ5 electric SUV are expected to start in Israel. In the global market Israel will become the 22nd country where Chery sells its cars outside of China. And by 2025, the company plans to export 500,000 cars a year, up to a quarter of all its cars.
1 place: SAIC Motor
In 2021, SAIC Motor’s export sales amounted to 697,000 vehicles, or 79% more than last year. For every three Chinese vehicles sold overseas, there is one vehicle from SAIC. The leader is the MG brand with 360,000 vehicles sold overseas, or 15% of SAIC’s total export sales. One MG ZS electric subcompact SUV and one MG EHS PHEV plug-in hybrid SUV are already available in Israel. In addition, the Maxus brand, owned by SAIC offers an electric SUV, the Maxus EUNIQ 6, and an electric minivan, the Maxus EUNIQ 5.
Potential leaders
The TOP-5 of 2021 does not include young Chinese automotive companies. The NIO, Xpeng and Li Auto brands are actively developing and catching up with the leaders. These brands have exported a total of 100,000 cars, while their main target is the European market. By the end of 2022, NIO plans to enter at least six European markets. The company offers some very interesting models, for example, the Nio ET5 electric liftback and the Nio ET7 flagship sedan, which promise a driving range of more than 1,000 km and autonomous driving. At the same time, Xpeng plans to launch sales in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. Therefore, only time will tell which brands will enter the top 5 in 2022.
New electric vehicles continue to arrive in Israel. And over time, there will be more and more. We have prepared some interesting information for you on the reasons for China's rapid success in the electric vehicle market. And in the meantime, we have found six Chinese automakers capable of conquering Europe.
