In the first half of 2025, Chinese automakers maintained strong growth momentum in overseas markets. According to the latest data, BYD registered 13,503 new passenger vehicles in Europe in July, representing a 225% year-on-year increase. Its market share rose to 1.2%, marking the first time it has overtaken Tesla in monthly sales in the region. In comparison, Tesla sold 8,837 vehicles during the same period, a year-on-year decline of 40.2%, with its market share dropping to 0.8%. This shift not only highlights the performance differences between the two companies but also reflects the evolving competitive position of China’s automotive industry in the global market.

BYD’s success is attributed to strategic planning and sustained effort. Since entering the European passenger car market in 2023, the company has expanded its retail presence from 3 to more than 400 stores, covering major cities such as London, Paris, and Milan, demonstrating rapid progress in both distribution network and brand development. Sales have also grown significantly—from under 100 vehicles per month in Germany initially to over 3,000 per month in several European markets.

At the same time, BYD is accelerating its global expansion: the company has established its European headquarters in Hungary, commenced production at its Brazil factory, and achieved cumulative deliveries of over 90,000 vehicles in Thailand. These steps illustrate its systematic approach to strengthening supply chains, production capacity, and localized operations. From January to July 2025, BYD’s overseas sales of passenger vehicles and pickup trucks exceeded 550,000 units, surpassing the total for full-year 2024 and demonstrating substantial growth. Rather than focusing solely on selling products, BYD is increasingly emphasizing the development of an integrated operational ecosystem.

If BYD represents the global leadership among Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturers, then Chery embodies the steady performance of a major traditional exporter. In August, Chery’s exports reached nearly 130,000 units, hitting a record high and marking the fourth consecutive month with exports exceeding 100,000 units. From January to August this year, the company exported approximately 800,000 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 10.8%, maintaining its position as China’s top automotive exporter. Chery’s strength lies in its long-established presence in overseas markets, where it has built stable distribution channels and a solid reputation across emerging economies such as the Middle East, South America, and Africa—providing strong support for its sustained sales volume.

While BYD has made breakthroughs primarily in the high-value new energy vehicle segment, Chery excels in large-scale export operations and penetration into developing markets. The former has made inroads into the European market through technological innovation and brand building, whereas the latter has expanded globally through extensive networks and diverse product offerings. Though their strategies differ, both have contributed significantly to the growth of China’s overall automobile exports.

What is particularly noteworthy is that Chinese automakers’ export strategies are evolving from “single-market breakthroughs” to “systematic globalization.” The previous overreliance on price competitiveness is gradually being replaced. Chinese brands are now making comprehensive advances in R&D, manufacturing, sales networks, after-sales services, and even localized production—making competition with international brands increasingly multi-dimensional.

Looking ahead, as new energy vehicles continue to gain traction in global markets and Chinese automakers deepen their efforts in local production and supply chain collaboration, the underlying driver of China’s auto exports is shifting: moving beyond sheer volume growth toward an emphasis on quality improvement and long-term localization. New energy vehicles, in particular, are becoming a core segment in the global market. This transformation may well prove to be a key variable reshaping the global automotive competitive landscape in the years to come.