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.
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!
