Chinese Automakers Report Mixed May Sales with Surging Exports and Structural NEV growth

Mixed Trajectories and Overseas Pivot Define May Automotive Performance

In May 2026, China's primary automakers faced a cooling domestic market, prompting a strategic shift toward global exports to stabilize wholesale volumes. This pivot resulted in record-breaking international shipments alongside a continuous, rapid structural transition toward electrification across all legacy portfolios.

May 2026 Sales Performance by Automaker

1. BYD

BYD sold 383,453 vehicles in May, up 0.26% year-on-year. A record 160,644 new energy vehicles were exported overseas.

2. SAIC Motor

SAIC Motor sold 349,000 vehicles in May. While total volume fell 4.62%, its NEV sales surged 46.49% to 182,484 units.

3. Chery Group

Chery Group sold 247,823 vehicles in May, up 20.5% year-on-year. Exports hit 181,871 units surging 80.5% YoY, while NEV sales reached 100,304 units, up 58.8% YoY.

4. Geely Auto

Geely Auto sold 237,637 vehicles in May, a 1% year-on-year increase. The premium Zeekr brand led growth, surging 82% to 34,300 units.

5. Great Wall Motor

Great Wall Motor sold 100,400 vehicles in May, down 1.79% year-on-year. Overseas deliveries reached 50,700 units, while NEVs accounted for 30,400 units.

(Exchange rate: RMB 6.9 = USD 1)