AliExpress has launched direct-to-consumer car sales in the Middle East, becoming the first major Chinese cross-border e-commerce platform to offer full vehicle purchases, YiCai Global reported Thursday.

Models listed in the auto section include BYD's Yuan Plus and Xiaomi's SU7 are now listed in its new auto section, according to the report. Many car brands are taking part in Alibaba's "100 Billion Yuan Subsidy" initiative to boost overseas brand expansion.

The move, to be trialed during this year's 618 shopping festival, marks a shift from business-to-business exports to online business-to-consumer sales, YiCai Global wrote.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)