The export of automobiles has surged, and the export of parts has taken off, making these four fields the most popular

Export data is impressive, with new energy becoming the absolute protagonist

In January 2025, China's automobile exports reached 470000 units, a year-on-year increase of 6.1%. Among them, the export of new energy vehicles was 150000 units, a year-on-year increase of 49.6%, while the export of traditional fuel vehicles decreased by 6.6% year-on-year. Behind this set of data is the strong penetration of new energy vehicles into the global market. In 2024, China's new energy vehicle exports reached 978000 units, a year-on-year increase of 25%. Brands such as BYD, Chery, and Changan performed particularly well. BYD led the way with an export volume of 66000 vehicles in January, while models such as Song PLUS New Energy (parameters | inquiry | pictures) and Seagull cover markets in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, becoming benchmarks for "Chinese intelligent manufacturing".

Export markets bloom at multiple points, these regions are the most profitable

Countries along the "the Belt and Road": in 2024, the export volume of finished vehicles will account for 69.1%. Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and other countries have strong demand for SUVs and pickups. Some car companies avoid trade barriers by localizing assembly in Mexico and turning it into an export hub.

High end European market: The demand for new energy vehicles in countries such as Belgium and Germany has surged, and BYD and NIO have gradually increased their market share by establishing research and development centers and factories.

Southeast Asia and the Middle East: Thailand and Indonesia support new energy vehicles, while Middle Eastern tycoons prefer high-end SUVs and pickups, becoming new engines of growth.

The export of components has taken off in tandem, and these four major fields are the most popular

In 2024, the export value of automotive parts reached 105.61 billion US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 6.8%. Orders from enterprises in Zhejiang, Ningbo and other places are scheduled until February 2025.

-The export of high-end components such as air suspension and lightweight wheels has surged. A shock absorber company in Zhejiang has reduced the cost of air suspension to 20% of the original factory price, and orders have been scheduled until April.

-After sales market: With the increase in global car ownership, Chinese brake systems, tire hubs, and other accessories account for over 70% of the after-sales market. On the eBay platform, sales of brake discs and driving computers from Chinese sellers doubled year-on-year.

-Cross border e-commerce: eBay's Chinese seller sales have increased sixfold compared to 2018, and demand for emerging categories such as charging stations has exploded. Post market practitioners can directly connect with overseas customers and expand market share through cross-border e-commerce platforms.

-Promoting the export of automotive repair technology: With the increase of China's automobile exports, the demand for automotive repair technology in overseas markets is also on the rise. Chinese auto repair training institutions cooperate with overseas partners to export repair techniques and help local repair shops improve their service capabilities.  

Supply Chain Restructuring: Breakthrough from "Manufacturing" to "Intelligent Manufacturing"

Capacity expansion: A wheel hub enterprise in Jinhua, Zhejiang can produce 6000 pieces per day and operate at full capacity 24 hours a day; Ningbo enterprises plan to build factories in Europe by 2025 to be closer to the market.

Technological upgrade: Zero carbon technologies such as hydrogen fuel have become a hot topic for cooperation. PHINIA has partnered with China to develop a hydrogen fuel injection system, which is planned to be put into operation by 2025.

Compliance response: EU E-mark and US DOT certifications force companies to improve their technical standards, and some car companies reduce trade friction risks by building factories overseas.

Talent gap and transformation challenges

The trillion dollar dividend of the new energy vehicle aftermarket has begun, but talent shortage has become a roadblock. The enrollment scale of automotive related majors in vocational colleges has been declining year by year, while the demand for positions such as new energy product consultants, used car appraisers, and intelligent connected service specialists has surged. Enterprises need to strengthen school enterprise cooperation, cultivate compound talents, and at the same time lay out high value-added services such as digital marketing and "three electricity" maintenance.

Future trend: a leap from "quantity increase" to "quality change"

-Localized production: BYD Hungary factory and Tesla Shanghai factory drive global supply chain layout.

-Battery recycling: 160000 companies are competing for the blue ocean of battery recycling, and under policy regulations, technology leading companies will receive the largest share of the cake.

-High end breakthrough: Chinese car companies are accelerating their layout in the European and American markets, with smart electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel technology becoming key breakthroughs.

Conclusion:

In 2025, China's automobile exports have shifted from "price advantage" to "technology is king", with new energy and high-end components as the core breakthrough points. Whether it is to lay out the "the Belt and Road" emerging markets, or to deepen the technical barriers in Europe and the United States, enterprises need to focus on "localization+technicalization+digitalization" to take the lead in the reconstruction of the global industrial chain. Your next growth point may be hidden in these data and trends!