Chongqing - Chongqing, a key hub in China's auto industry, experienced a notable increase in foreign trade this year, particularly in imports and exports within the automotive sector.
According to the Chongqing Customs District, the city's automobile export witnessed a 28.1% year-on-year increase, totaling 334,000 units worth 29.79 billion yuan (about 4.17 billion U.S. dollars) in the first 11 months. Moreover, the Chongqing Automobile Port for complete vehicle imports witnessed a 103.9% year-on-year surge, importing 6,313 vehicles.
Two Brabus models arrived in Chongqing this December, marking its debut in Chinese markets. (Photo/Visual Chongqing)
Brabus G800 and B50S make debut in the Chinese market
Recently, Chongqing Automobile Port for complete vehicle imports welcomed two exclusive arrivals of luxury vehicles, the Brabus G800 and B50S, marking their debut in the Chinese market, each valued at over a million yuan.
Brabus Group strategically selects Chongqing railway port for distribution, collaborating with the port company to boost foreign trade. They plan to import over 200 vehicles next year, valued at over 200 million yuan (about 28 million U.S. dollars), contributing to Chongqing's foreign trade growth.
Han Chao, the deputy general manager of Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park, highlighted the city's potential as a key distribution center for national auto imports. The Chongqing Automobile Port, for complete vehicle imports, has imported 17 mainstream brands, including Audi, Benz, Land Rover, and BMW, leading in quantity and categories among inland ports.
Han added the aim is to transform Chongqing into a primary imported vehicle distribution center for the Western region, attracting foreign brands seeking entry into China, particularly the Western areas.
Chooses Chongqing for global automotive distribution
On the export side, Chongqing-made auto brands, including Changan Automobile and Seres, have gained reputation and sales in international markets.
For instance, Changan's Vast Ocean plan, launched in April, propelled its independent brands to achieve a sales volume exceeding 220,000 units in the first 11 months, marking a 38.1% year-on-year increase. Similarly, Seres witnessed a 20% year-on-year growth, accumulating 3.83 billion yuan (about 537 million U.S. dollars) in exports during the initial ten months.
Luo Ya, the deputy secretary general of the Chongqing Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export, advocates for expanding into new auto markets such as Russia and Southeast Asia. The aim is to invest in factories and after-sales stores, establish Chongqing-made vehicles as reliable choices within these markets, and emphasize governmental support for these initiatives.
Chongqing's auto industry's global expansion aligns with efficient logistics. Brabus (China)'s director and general manager, Chen Yang, said the company opted for Chongqing due to the mature services of the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe Railway line. Even during disruptions, the Yuxinou line's reliability earns trust from auto brands.
Yuxinou facilitated the import and export of over 80,000 vehicles, amounting to approximately 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) in the first ten months, underscoring its significance in enabling smooth trade operations.
Early this December, Chongqing released an action plan for Chongqing-made vehicles to go global, aiming to contribute 10% of national auto exports. Additionally, plans are underway for the Chongqing Railway Port to establish a bonded zone, enhancing platforms for both import and export activities, including exhibitions, sales, and experiential engagements, further bolstering Chongqing's import and export growth.