Chinese automakers demonstrated resilience in September sales despite a significant contraction in the domestic passenger vehicle market, as surged exports emerged as the primary driver of growth. According to data from the China Passenger Car Association, passenger vehicle sales reached approximately 1.69 million units in September, marking a 9.7 percent increase from August but a 24.6 percent decline compared to the same month in 2025, reflecting a challenging year-on-year comparison.

Among major players, BYD reported strong performance in new energy vehicles (NEVs), selling 463,561 units in September, a 17 percent increase from the previous year. Its exports of passenger cars and pickups soared by 153.9 percent year-on-year to 179,877 units for the month, with cumulative overseas deliveries reaching 1.34 million units in the first three quarters — surpassing the brand’s entire export volume for 2025.

Geely and Chery also posted noteworthy export-driven gains. Geely sold 292,168 vehicles in September, including 106,700 exports, representing a 162 percent year-on-year increase in shipments abroad. Chery delivered 292,308 vehicles, up 4.2 percent year-on-year, with exports reaching a monthly record of 207,814 units. Its nine-month export volume grew 65.6 percent year-on-year to 1.55 million units, constituting 70 percent of total sales.

SAIC reported roughly 406,000 vehicle sales in September, with overseas shipments rising 49.1 percent year-on-year to 150,000 units. This brought SAIC's total international sales over the first nine months to 1.17 million units.

Several new energy vehicle startups experienced mixed results. Leapmotor delivered 105,656 vehicles in September, marking three consecutive months with more than 100,000 units sold. Its exports exceeded 27,000 units for the month, and its overseas shipments from January to September surpassed 150,000 units, achieving its 2026 export target ahead of schedule. Leapmotor is actively promoting its models, including the D19 SUV and A05 hatchback, at the ongoing Paris Motor Show.

XPeng posted 41,256 deliveries in September, a 5 percent month-on-month increase, featuring the overseas debut of its right-hand-drive G9L SUV at the Paris Motor Show. Xiaomi Auto surpassed 40,000 vehicles delivered in September for the first time this year, driven by the launch of the Skymond range-extended model, which accounted for over 10,000 units.

Nio reported steady year-on-year growth with 37,408 deliveries across its Nio, Onvo, and Firefly brands, a 7.7 percent increase from the previous year. Subsidiaries spun out from traditional manufacturers also showed strong performance: Geely’s Zeekr sold 37,216 units in September, doubling its sales compared to 2025, while Changan Qiyuan recorded a brand-high 46,507 global deliveries.

However, some players faced declines. Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance, despite launching multiple new products, saw its September deliveries fall 11 percent month-on-month and 29 percent year-on-year to 27,490 units. The alliance works with partners including Seres, Chery, BAIC, JAC, and SAIC. Li Auto’s deliveries dropped 6.3 percent year-on-year to 31,817 units, impacted by its ongoing product transition, though the brand plans to launch an upgraded i6 electric sedan in October and is making its European debut at the Paris Motor Show.

The Chinese automotive sector’s traditional “golden September” sales season underperformed amid slowing domestic demand. Nevertheless, overseas markets have become increasingly crucial for sustaining growth, with many manufacturers shifting focus to global expansion.

The Paris Motor Show 2026, currently underway, serves as a significant platform for Chinese brands to increase their presence in Europe. Chinese automakers occupy about one-third of the show’s exhibition space, showcasing over ten new energy vehicle models. Geely Group alone spans five halls, featuring brands such as Geely, Lynk & Co, Zeekr, Volvo, smart, and Lotus. Other exhibitors include Aito, which is presenting its full SUV lineup, and Dongfeng Forthing and GAC Aion, which are using the event to announce or accelerate their European market entries.

Dongfeng Forthing is currently marketing its 57 sedan and V6 MPV in Germany and Italy, with plans to expand into France, Norway, and Denmark. GAC Group unveiled plans to assemble new models, including the Aion UT crossover and GS7 SUV, at Austria’s Magna Steyr plant, aiming for extensive European market coverage by 2028.

Chinese automotive brands are steadily increasing their market shares in Europe. For instance, their share in France rose from 3.4 percent in 2025 to 8 percent as of September 2026. Beyond volume growth, manufacturers are focusing on brand building and establishing localized operations overseas to ensure sustainable development in the global market.