According to the latest authoritative data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China's automotive exports delivered a stunning performance in January 2026. Total exports for the month reached 681,000 units, representing a significant year-on-year (YoY) increase of 44.9%. At a critical juncture in the global economic recovery, Chinese automakers continue to maintain strong overseas expansion momentum, bolstered by exceptional performance, a robust supply chain, and highly competitive product value.

New Energy Vehicles: The Core Driver, Exports Doubled

Within the overall export data, New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) emerged as the standout 'growth engine':

Export Volume: 302,000 NEVs were exported in January.

Growth Rate: This represents an explosive 100% YoY growth, effectively doubling the export volume compared to the same period last year.

Market Share: Sales of new energy vehicles have now reached 40.3% of total new car sales, signaling that China’s automotive industry has fully entered the 'Electric Era.'

This rapid growth validates the global market's high recognition of Chinese pure electric and hybrid models, particularly regarding their driving range, intelligent driving capabilities, and full-ecosystem smart cabins.

Policy Empowerment: A Solid Foundation for Steady Industry Growth

An official from CAAM (China Association of Automobile Manufacturers) noted that during the first month of 2026, the government introduced a dense series of policies benefiting both businesses and the public. In particular, the effective synergy of the 'Two New' policies (referring to large-scale equipment updates and consumer goods trade-ins) has provided robust support for the stable operation of the automotive sector.

Furthermore, the 'Work Plan for Accelerating the Cultivation of New Growth Points in Service Consumption' focuses on the automotive aftermarket. This initiative is set to further refine after-sales and value-added service systems within the export chain. Looking ahead, 2026 marks a 'Golden Age' for China's automotive export journey, as its global strategic layout advances toward a stage of higher-quality development.