Customs data released on March 10 shows China's foreign trade in goods increased by 18.3% year-on-year in the first two months of the year, with exports rising by 19.2%. Production and sales reports from automakers listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange reflect this trend. Saic Motor Corporation Limited reported overseas sales of 99,024 vehicles in February, a 46.12% increase from the previous year, continuing the strong performance seen in January. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, automobile production and sales in 2025 reached 34.531 million and 34.4 million units, respectively, setting new historical records with year-on-year growth of 10.4% and 9.4%. Overseas operations demonstrated resilience, with annual vehicle exports exceeding 7 million units, reaching 7.098 million, a 21.1% increase.
Among Shanghai-listed companies, automakers such as Saic Motor Corporation Limited, Seres Group Co.,Ltd., Yutong Bus Co.,Ltd., and Baic Foton Motor Co.,Ltd. have seen their international businesses become powerful drivers of growth. Saic Motor Corporation Limited's earnings forecast indicates net profit attributable to shareholders in 2025 is projected to be between 9 billion and 11 billion yuan, an increase of 438% to 558% compared to the previous year. The company stated that in 2025, it officially launched its Overseas Strategy 3.0—the Glocal Strategy—combining global and local approaches to upgrade from "product export" to "value chain export." Overseas sales for the full year reached 1.071 million vehicles, up 3.1% year-on-year, maintaining a leading position in the industry.
Yutong Bus Co.,Ltd. and Baic Foton Motor Co.,Ltd. also delivered impressive results. Yutong Bus Co.,Ltd. sold 49,518 vehicles in 2025, including 17,149 exported units, a 22.49% increase. Cumulative bus exports approached 130,000 units, demonstrating strong and stable development capabilities in international markets. Baic Foton Motor Co.,Ltd. reported overseas sales of 164,500 vehicles for the year, up 7.27%, which is expected to contribute an operating profit of 820 million yuan, turning losses into profits.
Chinese automakers are currently transitioning from "manufacturing" to "smart manufacturing" in their global expansion, with intelligence, premium positioning, and new energy vehicles becoming key to capturing international markets. In the first two months of this year, Seres Group Co.,Ltd. reported a cumulative 56% increase in new energy vehicle sales and achieved critical breakthroughs in its overseas presence. The company’s global footprint now covers multiple countries across Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and Africa. In Europe, it has expanded into key markets such as Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, marking the initial implementation of its global strategy. In December 2025, Seres Group Co.,Ltd.’s intelligent new energy vehicle brand DFSK held a launch event in Cairo, Egypt, representing a major milestone in the brand’s shift toward new energy and intelligent technology.
According to Yutong Bus Co.,Ltd., overseas deliveries and recognition of its new energy buses, premium coaches, and airport shuttle buses have been growing year by year. Cumulative bus exports have reached nearly 130,000 units, reflecting the brand’s sustained commitment to international markets. In February 2026, 68 Yutong new energy buses served at the Milan Winter Olympics in Italy, signaling the company’s upgrade from "product export" to "global service."
Baic Foton Motor Co.,Ltd. stated that in 2025, it firmly advanced its strategies of comprehensive internationalization, new energy transition, and intelligent transformation. By capitalizing on structural market opportunities such as vehicle replacement policies, the company accelerated its overseas localization efforts. Total annual sales reached 650,000 vehicles, an increase of 5.85%, while new energy vehicle sales reached 101,200 units, surging 87.21% year-on-year.