The 136th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, is currently taking place in Guangzhou. Journalists touring the exhibition discovered a continuous influx of new offerings in the supply chain for electric vehicles, enhancing the product lineup and expanding market opportunities. Emerging markets are proving to be new growth points in this evolving landscape.
According to the latest data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, from January to September of this year, China’s production and sales of electric vehicles exceeded 8.3 million units, marking a year-on-year growth of over 30%. Electric vehicle sales now account for nearly 40% of the total automobile market.
On October 15 at the Canton Fair, foreign purchasers experienced Chinese-made electric vehicles firsthand. At a 153-square-meter booth of GAC Group, three new energy vehicle models were showcased along with the latest charging technologies. The second-generation AION V, GAC’s first strategic model for Europe, boasts a range of up to 650 kilometers and is designed to meet the diverse needs of family users across different cultures worldwide. “It will be exhibited at the 2024 Paris Motor Show and is set to hit the European market next year,” said Deng Ziyan, the foreign trade manager at Guangzhou Meilun Automotive Trade.
From January to September, GAC Group reported a staggering 112% increase in automobile exports, reaching destinations such as the UAE, Chile, Mexico, and the Philippines. A representative from GAC noted that the automotive industry is rapidly transitioning toward intelligence and electrification, with both domestic and international consumer markets seeing a pronounced increase in demand for electric vehicles. Consumers are focusing more on personalized and high-quality products amid ongoing upgrades in consumption.
In the context of “carbon peak” goals, the global shift toward electric vehicles is accelerating, and Chinese car manufacturers are increasingly expanding their reach into overseas markets. At the booth of Nanjing Jinlong Bus Manufacturing Company, an electric compression garbage truck drew significant attention from international buyers. “This vehicle features a unique bus head design to provide more space and higher comfort, aimed at improving the working environment for sanitation workers. Our initial focus will be on sales in Southeast Asian countries,” said Zhang Fei, deputy general manager of the international business center at Kaiwo New Energy Automobile Group.
Since 2011, when products from Nanjing Jinlong first ventured outside China, the company has been ramping up its efforts in the new energy passenger vehicle sector in recent years. “Despite facing challenges in Europe due to anti-dumping measures, we are adapting our strategies by exporting complete vehicles and engaging in technical collaborations with local partners to boost the adoption of electric vehicles. We’ve already achieved breakthroughs in markets like Africa and Southeast Asia,” Zhang noted, expressing confidence in the growing acceptance and promotion of electric vehicles due to China’s robust industrial chain and technological foundation.
Zhang emphasized that the production capacity for electric vehicles has not peaked, as market demand continues to rise. He envisions a future where electric vehicles increasingly focus on intelligence and efficiency to meet energy-saving and emission-reduction needs. In this realm, Chinese automotive manufacturers enjoy a first-mover advantage in battery and intelligent technologies while benefiting from lower manufacturing costs that allow them to offer high cost-performance products.
At this year’s Canton Fair, companies showcased their solutions and products aimed at international markets. Alongside the sale of electric vehicles, Zhang mentioned they are introducing integrated photovoltaic storage and charging solutions that can provide energy even in areas lacking developed grid facilities, particularly in regions with abundant sunlight like North Africa and the Middle East.
“This vehicle is mine, I’m going to buy it,” exclaimed a foreign buyer from Africa, pointing excitedly at an electric model while speaking with exhibitor Yang Shan. “International buyers are primarily interested in Chinese-made electric vehicles, but they also express interest in joint venture brands.” Yang Shan, the executive director of Chengdu Zhongxin Hai Industrial Group, has attended the Canton Fair for four years and noted how, while initially only a handful of mainstream Chinese electric vehicle brands drew interest, a broader array has now gained acceptance in international markets. Sales of Chinese electric vehicles continue to rise.
In emerging markets where infrastructure is still developing, Yang stated that her company would offer comprehensive automotive dealership and after-sales services to support the promotion of new products overseas. “The competition for electric vehicle exports is fierce, but the strong growth momentum displayed by Chinese electric vehicles at the Canton Fair suggests that by providing robust after-sales service and tailored market strategies, companies can achieve growth and success in this competitive international arena.”
