"China's local auto market is growing rapidly, and the time for large-scale exports of Chinese vehicles is gradually maturing. At the recent China High-Tech Summit on Light Trucks and Scientific Development for 50 Years, Zhang Xiaokai, Chairman of the China Association of Automotive Engineers, shared his insights on the future of China's automotive exports.
Zhang emphasized that no major global auto exporter has been able to fully support their domestic markets. In China's light truck industry, self-owned brands account for as much as 95% of the market, with production volumes exceeding one million units annually. This strong domestic base now provides a solid foundation for overseas expansion. In an increasingly globalized world, China’s light truck industry needs to shift from opportunistic exports to more strategic international operations.
China's auto exports have seen consistent growth over the past four years. According to the latest customs data, in 2007, China exported 193,000 light trucks under 5 tons, making up 77.8% of total truck exports and nearly a third of all vehicle exports. Over the years, Chinese light truck companies have actively expanded into foreign markets. In 2005, they secured contracts worth $200 million for Russian exports, setting a record. Later that year, Dongfeng signed 6,000 export orders at the ASEAN Expo, while Foton Ao Ling secured 3,000 orders for European markets, marking the largest single export volume of light trucks in China.
Zhang Xiaolu pointed out two key factors driving the export success: first, the Yuejin brand, which now includes Nanjing Iveco, has access to Iveco's extensive global sales network; second, Foton Motors is planning CKD (completely knocked down) factories in Russia, Indonesia, Iran, and the Philippines. From product exports to joint ventures and overseas manufacturing, the overall strategy for Chinese light trucks is becoming more structured.
Despite impressive export performance, challenges remain. Currently, most Chinese light truck exports are concentrated in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America—regions experiencing rapid economic growth but with limited purchasing power. Zhou Weili of Nanjing Iveco noted that China's cost-effective vehicles fit well in these markets due to lower quality requirements. However, as these markets mature, competition is increasing.
In 2024, Russia introduced stricter regulations for Chinese commercial vehicles, including Euro III emissions testing and increased safety inspections, leading to a 26.26% drop in truck exports in January. Meanwhile, countries like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia are becoming more competitive, with Japanese and Korean automakers relocating production there. Even Chinese firms are looking to Southeast Asia for lower costs, such as SAIC-GM-Wuling exploring the Vietnamese market.
Zhang Xiaoyu said that relying solely on low-cost advantages won't ensure long-term competitiveness. Companies like Geely and Brilliance are already entering the European market, and light trucks should follow suit. With a strong domestic market, Chinese light trucks have the potential to make significant breakthroughs in international exports.
One model drawing attention is Nanjing Auto’s Yuejin. After integrating with Iveco, the brand has gained access to advanced technology and global distribution networks. The new Yuejin models launched in the EU represent a fresh start for the brand. Deng Xiaohai of Nanjing Iveco stated that the reorganization has already yielded results, and the next step is to develop new products based on the Iveco platform, turning Yuejin into a true global brand."
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