Chongqing - In a remarkable stride towards economic collaboration along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Southwest China's Chongqing municipality has witnessed a surge in car exports to BRI countries this year. 

Leading this momentum, Chongqing's premier commercial vehicle manufacturer SAIC Hongyan has seen its export figures soar to new heights. One hundred smart heavy trucks produced by SAIC Hongyan recently departed from Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, marking the first time the automaker exported this smart model to Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. 

With a remarkable 266% year-on-year increase in export volume during the first half of the year, SAIC Hongyan is leveraging the rapid infrastructure development in BRI countries, particularly in need of engineering vehicles like dump trucks.

SAIC Hongyan's smart heavy trucks were delivered to BRI countries. (Photo/SAIC Hongyan)

Expanding beyond commercial vehicles, Chongqing's passenger vehicle sector is also gaining momentum on the global stage.

Changan Automobile, another giant Chongqing automaker, achieved a 14.3% year-on-year increase in vehicle exports, totaling 116,000 vehicles in the first six months.  

This prompts Changan to reach the top three Chinese auto exporters. Notably, 90% of these exports reached BRI countries, solidifying Changan's position as a major Chinese auto exporter. The company has established a robust overseas presence, boasting 450 sales channels across 63 countries and regions.

Seres, a prominent new energy auto brand from Chongqing, recently furthered its global footprint through the Seres 5 Europe Travel initiative. Spanning 25 days and covering 21 countries like Norway, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France showcased the Chongqing-made vehicle's performance to European consumers. Seres' track record of exporting nearly 500,000 vehicles to over 70 countries as of 2022 exemplifies the city's commitment to innovation and international reach.

Livan Auto, an emerging player among Chongqing automakers, has successfully exported over 3,000 vehicles, including the X3 pro and Maple 60s, to BRI countries like Chile and Azerbaijan in the first half of the year. 

This shift towards internationalization has prompted Livan Auto to explore overseas markets for its innovative battery-swapping technology and products.  

Surging auto exports to growing international demand 

Lai Han, Vice Director of Liangjiang New Area Industry Promotion Bureau, attributed the surging exports to the growing global market and the bolstered competitiveness of Chongqing's automotive industry. 

He emphasized the city's strengths, including a key role played by Changan Automobile and a network of over ten automakers and 1,000 supporting providers. Furthermore, Chongqing's leadership in internet-connected vehicle industrial development is a testament to its position as a driving force in Western China.

Beyond exports, the Chongqing auto industry has achieved an impressive 70% localization rate, bolstered by numerous key projects settling in the city. This foundation bodes well for elevating the quality and reputation of Chongqing-made vehicles as the city continues flourishing as a prominent player in the automotive field.