Hunan's auto exports soar in first two months

Hunan-made automobiles are increasingly popular in overseas markets. According to the Changsha Customs data released on March 17 that, in the first two months this year, Hunan exported 11,876 automobiles, increasing by 233.7% over the previous year. The export value hit 2.5 billion CNY, rising 200.2% compared to the same period last year.

The countries along the "Belt and Road" were major destinations of Hunan's auto exports. In January and February, Hunan exported 8,767 automobiles to these countries, accounting for more than 70% of the total auto exports. The automobiles exported to Europe amounted to 7,079, soaring more than 400% year on year, and 74.7% of which were exported to Eastern Europe. 

Private enterprises were major exporters. The Changsha BYD Auto Company Limited was the top exporter of electric vehicles (EV) whose EVs were mainly exported to such countries as India. The Hunan Geely Automobile International Corporation ranked first in export of traditional fuel vehicles which were mainly sold to such regions as Belarus. In the first two months, Hunan's private enterprises had exported 11,342 automobiles in total.

According to Changsha Customs analysis, the surge in Hunan's auto exports this year might be resulted from the growth of new-energy vehicle exports based on the development of new-energy technologies and industrial chains. As new-energy vehicles got more and more popular in overseas markets, Hunan's new-energy vehicle exports to Europe surged. This demonstrated that the quality and prices of Hunan-made automobiles are recognized by European customers.

Changsha Customs authority advised Hunan's auto companies to grasp the opportunity, customize auto products according to the characteristics of customer countries, make breakthroughs in key technologies, and speed up developing global layout. Meanwhile, complete technical standards focusing on new-energy power batteries, after-sales services, and security should be established, and supervision on company operation and quality of exported vehicles should be reinforced, to steadily expand the international markets.