China’s Passenger Car Exports Reach 528,000 in September, EV Share Near 40%

In September, China exported 211,000 NEVs, up 96.5% year-on-year, accounting for roughly 40% of total passenger car exports.

China’s passenger car exports maintained strong momentum in September 2025, with total shipments reaching 528,000 units, up 20.7% year-on-year and 5.7% month-on-month, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

January–September exports totaled 3.999 million units, a 12.5% increase over the same period last year.

New energy vehicles (NEVs) made a significant contribution, with September exports hitting 211,000 units, nearly doubling year-on-year (+96.5%) and accounting for roughly 40% of total shipments.

Domestic auto media Yiche’s rankings of the top 20 passenger car exporters show 11 manufacturers shipped more than 10,000 units individually in September.

Chery led the pack with 139,000 units exported, up 27.7% year-on-year. As one of China’s most globally distributed independent brands, Chery now exports to over 110 countries and regions, with cumulative January–September exports reaching 928,000 units, up 12.3% from last year.

BYD ranked second, shipping 69,000 units in September, doubling year-on-year. Its cumulative January–September exports reached 670,000 units, up 125%, solidifying its position alongside Chery in the “top tier” of Chinese automotive exports. BYD passenger cars have now reached 94 countries across six continents.

Leapmotor emerged as the standout “dark horse” this month, exporting 6,888 units in September — nearly four times the previous year — and 37,800 units cumulatively January–September, a 20-fold increase.

Since establishing the “Leapmotor International” joint venture with Stellantis last year, the brand has rapidly entered more than 30 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and South America. Its overseas sales target for 2025 is 50,000–80,000 units. With localized production in Europe and Southeast Asia in 2026, both export markets and volumes are expected to double.

Other major Chinese brands, including SAIC passenger cars, Geely, and Great Wall, exported in the 300,000–350,000 unit range January–September. Tesla China ranked eighth in exports, shipping 173,000 units, down nearly 20% year-on-year.

Traditional internal combustion models such as the Chery Tiggo 7, Tiggo 5x, and MG ZS continue to dominate overseas volumes in September.

However, NEV growth is even faster. The BYD Song PLUS NEV exported 15,000 units in September (+80% year-on-year) and 182,000 units cumulatively January–September, topping the list.

Tesla Model 3 and Model Y remain in the top ten, with Model Y exports reaching 8,734 units in September — nearly double year-on-year — and 86,000 units cumulatively (+25.8%). Model 3 exports in September totaled 10,553 units, down nearly 20% year-on-year.

Overall, Chinese brands are gradually shifting exports from low-cost city cars toward mid-to-high-end NEVs. BYD and Great Wall are accelerating factory construction in Europe and South America, while Geely and Chery are exploring localized production.