China's independent automakers achieved strong overseas sales growth in September 2025, with preliminary statistics showing 336,000 units sold in key tracked markets, a 25% year-on-year increase and an 18% month-on-month rise. From January to September 2025, cumulative overseas sales reached 2.42 million units, up 12% YoY, reflecting robust retail performance in tracked markets.

**Regional Performance Highlights** Southeast Asia, Africa, and the EU emerged as strong performers in 2025, while weaker export trends were observed in former Soviet regions, the U.S., and Central/South America. Year-to-date growth was led by markets like the UK, Australia, Peru, Spain, and Thailand, while September’s YoY gains were driven by the UK, Australia, and Brazil. Conversely, Russia, Taiwan (China), and Mexico saw significant declines, with Russia and Mexico posting YoY drops in September.

**Strategic Expansion** Leveraging lessons from China’s home appliance industry globalization, automakers have refined overseas strategies—transitioning from knockdown (KD) assembly to localized production and acquisitions. Leading brands like SAIC Motor (600104.SH), Geely Auto (00175), Great Wall Motor (601633.SH), and Chery have achieved notable success by adopting localized business hubs and shifting from direct sales to dealership models, enhancing service networks and brand reputation abroad.

**Market-Specific Insights** - **Russia**: Despite challenges like increased import taxes (e.g., a 70–85% hike in vehicle recycling fees by 2024), Chinese brands like Chery (30,000+ monthly sales in 2024), Great Wall (strong Haval and Tank brand performance), and Geely (notable Zeekr sales) maintained resilience through localized production and competitive pricing. - **EU & Other Markets**: Chinese NEVs (new energy vehicles) gained traction, with BYD, SAIC’s MG, Geely, and Great Wall excelling. New entrants like XPeng and Leapmotor also made inroads in Israel and Nordic markets.

**Sector Trends** - **NEV Leadership**: BYD and SAIC led in Europe, though SAIC faced EU regulatory headwinds. - **Diverse Market Focus**: Chery dominated in Russia, Brazil, and South Africa; SAIC thrived in the UK, Italy, and Australia; Geely performed well in Russia and Saudi Arabia; and Changan expanded in the Middle East and Chile.

China’s auto exports, particularly NEVs, continue to surge, supported by localized strategies and competitive product offerings in both emerging and developed markets.