BEIJING – As foreign regulators scrutinize China-made electric car imports, Chinese automakers are strategically expanding their manufacturing footprint across the globe. Here’s a glimpse into their ambitious plans:

BYD: Pioneering EV Production Worldwide

BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is making significant strides in establishing car factories beyond its home turf. Let’s explore their ventures:

1. Uzbekistan: In January, BYD commenced production at its Uzbekistan plant, focusing on the Song Plus hybrid crossover. The factory aims to achieve an impressive annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles.
2. Thailand: Through a partnership with Thai industrial developer WHA Group, BYD is set to manufacture 150,000 EVs per year in Thailand. The local plant is expected to begin operations later this year.
3. Brazil: BYD’s Brazil manufacturing complex is slated to start operations by year-end or early 2025. The initial phase targets an estimated annual production capacity of 150,000 units.
4. Hungary: BYD recently announced a Hungarian plant dedicated to producing EVs and plug-in hybrids. While the production start date remains unspecified, the company anticipates creating thousands of local jobs and supporting supply chains.
5. Mexico: BYD is actively scouting for a suitable location in Mexico to establish a factory with an annual production capacity of 150,000 cars for local sales.

In China, BYD boasts the capability to produce an astounding 4 million cars annually. Its key overseas markets in 2023 included Thailand, Brazil, Israel, and Australia.

Chery Auto: Investing in Argentina’s Automotive Future

Chery Auto, China’s largest automaker by export volume, is making waves with its global expansion plans:

• Argentina: Chery Auto is investing a substantial $400 million to set up a factory in Argentina. By 2030, this facility aims to produce 100,000 cars. The move positions Chery as one of the first Chinese automakers with a significant European manufacturing presence.
• In 2023, Chery sold more than half of its cars outside of China, with the majority equipped with gasoline engines. This strategic investment underscores the company’s commitment to international growth.

Navigating Challenges Amidst Export Success

While Chinese automakers continue to strengthen their global reach, the growing clout of China’s car exports has also caused friction with regulators in the U.S. and Europe. As these manufacturers forge ahead, the automotive landscape witnesses significant shifts on a global scale. Stay tuned for further developments as they redefine the industry’s boundaries. (zai)