CAAM's Chen Xu Says 2026 Auto Exports Will Top 10 Million, Urges Firms to Defend Brand Reputation and Reject Hype

At the second Transport-Connected Vehicles summit of the 2026 World Internet of Things Conference on November 3, China Association of Automobile Manufacturers deputy secretary-general Chen Xu forecast that full-year vehicle exports would exceed 10 million units. In the first three quarters, China produced and sold 23.246 million and 23.271 million vehicles, with NEV sales continuing double-digit growth; exports hit 8.205 million, up 65.8%, including more than 4 million NEVs, up about 130%, and monthly exports surpassed 1 million for four consecutive months for the first time. Chen stressed that electrification and intelligence are reshaping the global auto landscape and opening space for Chinese brands, but urged companies to raise safety, reliability and adaptability, respect local policies and habits, and improve local service systems. He pointedly called on the industry to safeguard the global reputation of Chinese brands, resist "traffic bubbles" and price-only competition, and pursue technology and service upgrades instead. Industry experts added that competition has evolved from single products to whole industrial ecosystems and innovation chains.

Source: National Business Daily / Tencent News, Nov 3, 2026 | 2026-11-03