Guangzhou Vehicle Exports Surge as GAC and XPeng Drive Global Expansion

Strong growth in China's automotive sector has been reflected in the latest performance of Guangzhou, where vehicle exports continued to expand rapidly during the first five months of 2026. According to an announcement issued by the Guangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau on June 29, customs statistics showed that more than 120,000 vehicles were exported between January and May, generating export value of CNY 13.295 billion. Compared with the same period last year, export volume increased by 65.8% while export value rose by 56.1%. Electric passenger vehicles accounted for 75,500 units worth CNY 9.36 billion, representing year-over-year growth of 92.8% in volume and 88.5% in value. These results underline the growing contribution of automotive exports to Guangzhou's foreign trade performance.

Leading Automakers Continue Expanding Export Volumes

The companies supporting Guangzhou's export momentum now include established manufacturers, emerging electric vehicle companies, and joint venture brands serving overseas markets. GAC Group exported 96,000 vehicles during the January–May period, recording a 99% year-over-year increase and contributing more than 70% of the city's total vehicle exports. The company continued strengthening its position in overseas regions including Southeast Asia and the Middle East, while maintaining nearly half of Thailand's electric taxi market. GAC International stated that it aims to export 300,000 vehicles annually in 2026 while further expanding right-hand-drive vehicle development and New Energy Vehicle offerings for international customers.

XPeng exported 5,315 vehicles during the same period, representing a 33.5% increase from a year earlier. The company expects export performance to improve further during the second half of the year as additional vehicle models enter overseas markets and localized production capacity gradually increases. Meanwhile, Nissan Import and Export (Guangzhou) Co Ltd, the company's exclusive vehicle export entity within China, is accelerating research, development, and international certification activities for export-oriented models with the objective of exporting 10,000 vehicles during 2026.

Overseas Expansion Strategy Moves Beyond Traditional Exports

Guangzhou's international automotive strategy is evolving from a conventional export model into a broader global business approach that combines manufacturing, technology development, branding, and localized operations. Rather than relying solely on shipping finished vehicles abroad, manufacturers are increasingly investing in production capabilities and market-specific operations that strengthen their long-term competitiveness across international regions.

Reflecting this transition, GAC Group has expanded beyond complete vehicle exports by establishing a localized overseas value chain. As of May 2026, the company had developed a worldwide sales network exceeding 700 outlets across more than 100 countries and regions. It has also established six overseas manufacturing plants in Thailand, Malaysia, Nigeria, Austria, Indonesia, and Cambodia, enhancing localized manufacturing capabilities while improving after-sales service support in international markets.

Global Research, Production and Sales Networks Expand

XPeng has continued strengthening its international footprint by simultaneously expanding research, production, and commercial operations. The company has established sales and service networks covering 60 countries and regions while launching localized production projects in Indonesia, Austria, and Malaysia. Overseas research and development centers have also been established in Silicon Valley, San Diego, and Munich, Germany. These combined investments have enabled XPeng to build an integrated international value chain spanning research, manufacturing, and sales activities, supporting its long-term overseas growth strategy.

Key Guangzhou Automotive Export Statistics (January–May 2026)

Logistics Infrastructure Supports International Growth

Guangzhou's export capabilities are further reinforced by the extensive logistics infrastructure available at Nansha Port. As the largest automotive Roll-on/Roll-off terminal cluster in South China, the facility includes seven dedicated Ro-Ro berths with capacities of 10,000 tonnes or above, a 1.8-kilometre quay, nearly 1.6 million square metres of finished vehicle storage yards, and an annual vehicle handling capacity exceeding three million units. The port currently operates 12 international Ro-Ro shipping routes connecting more than 20 countries and regions across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Guangzhou's vehicle exports growing rapidly?
Guangzhou's vehicle exports are expanding because of rising international demand for electric passenger vehicles, strong export performance from major automakers, and increasing overseas localization strategies. Companies such as GAC Group, XPeng, and Nissan are investing in production, research, certification, and global sales networks while leveraging advanced logistics infrastructure at Nansha Port. These combined factors have strengthened Guangzhou's competitiveness and made automotive exports a significant contributor to the city's foreign trade growth.