China's auto exports hit record high in first half of 2026 with over 5 million units sold

In the first half of 2026, China’s auto exports hit a record high for a semi-annual period, totalling more than 5 million units. BYD and Chery have emerged as the primary drivers of this industry’s global expansion.

Notably, Chery has maintained its position as China’s top passenger car exporter for 23 consecutive years. Furthermore, the company has secured voting rights in the revision of international automotive standards, marking a pivotal shift from a “rule-follower” to a “co-creator” of global industry norms.

The Chery Fulwin T7 (marketed overseas as the LEPAS L6) serves as a flagship model representing this transformation. Designed as a “born-global” vehicle, it adopts a reverse roll-out strategy—debuting in international markets prior to initiating domestic pre-sales.

Industry specialists note that the significance of Chinese automakers participating in the formulation of global standards far outweighs mere export volume. Traditional automotive powerhouses are now poised to face increasingly formidable competitors.