China’s carmakers eye record 12 million overseas sales in 2026 as ‘go global’ plan pays off
Buoyant overseas sales could also cushion against a weak domestic market, which slumped 20 per cent in the first eight months of the year
“A sluggish domestic market has been fuelling carmakers’ efforts to spur exports,” said Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). “The export boom from January to August exceeded our expectations and we saw a hefty sales jump in the European Union and Africa.”
The government-backed industry body recently forecast that overseas Chinese vehicle sales – which comprise passenger cars, buses and lorries – could top 12 million units in 2026, up 44 per cent from last year’s 8.3 million.
