China Auto Daily丨China’s March Car Export Increase 74.3% YoY

China’s March Car Export Increase 74.3% YoY

March 2026, China’s passenger car exports including complete vehicles and CKD kits reached 695,000 units, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 74.3% and a month-on-month rise of 25.2%, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) on April 9. New energy vehicles (NEVs) accounted for 50.2% of the export volume, up 14 percentage points from the previous year. Domestic brands led the export surge with 606,000 units shipped abroad, a 76% increase year-over-year. In contrast, joint ventures and luxury brands exported 88,000 units, up 65%. The NEV export growth was especially strong in Europe and Southeast Asia, reflecting the rising global influence of Chinese NEV brands.

NIO ES9 Flagship SUV Starts Pre-sale

On April 9, NIO officially opened pre-sales for its new flagship large SUV, the ES9, positioning it as a technological and executive luxury model. The ES9 features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering a combined output of 520 kW and 700 Nm of torque. It is equipped with a CATL-supplied 102 kWh battery pack, offering three CLTC range variants of 620 km, 600 km, and 580 km respectively. The vehicle includes advanced technologies such as the Tianxing fully active suspension and Tianxing steer-by-wire system. Pricing starts at RMB 528,000 (USD 76,500) for the Executive Luxury version with battery purchase, and RMB 420,000 (USD 60,900) with battery leasing. Higher trims include the Executive Signature version starting at RMB 588,000 (USD 85,200) and the Horizon Special Edition at RMB 658,000 (USD 95,300). The ES9 is expected to launch officially by the end of May 2026 with deliveries commencing June 1.

Chery Establishes European Operations Center in Spain

Chery Automobile announced on April 9 the official launch of its European Operations Center in Barcelona, Spain, marking its first overseas regional hub. The center will serve as a critical operational platform integrating compliance, supply chain coordination, finance, and public affairs functions to better serve and understand the European market. Concurrently, Chery inaugurated its Spain R&D Institute to boost localized research and development efforts. This strategic move follows Chery’s revival of the Spanish national brand Ebro through a partnership with local manufacturer EV Motors in 2024, exemplifying a “hitchhiking” export strategy for Chinese brands. Chery Chairman Yin Tongyue emphasized the importance of this center in building a more Europe-savvy and service-oriented business model, aiming to expand the company’s footprint and competitiveness in the European automotive sector.

BMW’s Hydrogen Flat Storage System to Launch in 2028

BMW Group unveiled its innovative hydrogen flat storage system on April 9, slated for mass production in 2028 with the next-generation BMW X5. This system can store at least 7 kilograms of hydrogen, enabling a fuel cell vehicle range of approximately 750 kilometers under WLTP conditions. The refueling time is notably rapid, with the tank able to be fully replenished within five minutes. BMW’s new storage technology significantly enhances the vehicle’s range and usability, positioning hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as a viable alternative for long-distance zero-emission driving. This development aligns with BMW’s broader strategy to diversify its electrification portfolio.

*(Exchange rate: RMB 6.9 = USD 1)*