After a slow start in the first two months of 2026, China's new energy vehicle (NEV) market staged a strong recovery in March. The phase-out of NEV purchase tax incentives at the end of 2025 led to earlier demand and weaker sales in early 2026. However, with intensive new model launches, continuous technological upgrades, and volatile international fuel prices, the advantages of new energy vehicles have become increasingly prominent, driving the whole industry back to growth.
For those engaged in used car and automotive foreign trade, the sales performance, technological development, and global expansion of Chinese automakers directly affect overseas vehicle supply, pricing trends, and procurement strategies. Below is a breakdown of March 2026 sales data, along with key insights for the export business.
1. BYD Maintains Dominance, Technology & Globalization Accelerate
BYD delivered 295,693 passenger vehicles in March, continuing to lead the NEV market.
Wangwang & Ocean Series: 262,327 units
Formula Leopard: 25,926 units
Denza: 7,133 units
Yangwang: 307 units
BYD has made breakthroughs in charging technology with its second-gen Blade Battery and ultra-fast charging systems. It has built 5,000 fast-charging stations nationwide and plans to expand to 20,000 by the end of the year. Overseas sales grew sharply year-on-year, making BYD one of the most popular Chinese brands for international trade.
2. Geely Posts Strong NEV Growth, High-End Models Gain Competitiveness
Geely's total sales reached 233,031 units in March, including 127,319 new energy vehicles.
Galaxy: 82,744 units
Lynk & Co: 25,426 units
Zeekr: 29,318 units
The Geely Star Series hit 600,000 deliveries, while Zeekr firmly established itself in the high-end EV market. Geely's AI smart driving systems have received EU certification, and its new hybrid technology is即将 launched. These models perform well in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America.
3. Changan Shows Balanced Growth, Strong Export & Cost-Performance Appeal
Changan's total sales hit 270,600 units, with 89,600 NEVs sold in March.
Qiyuan: 36,875 units
Deepal: 31,742 units
Avatr: 5,143 units
Deepal saw rapid overseas growth, surpassing 30,000 global sales. Qiyuan's cost-effective lineup is highly competitive in entry-level overseas markets. Changan's reliability and wide parts availability make it ideal for both used and new vehicle exports.
4. Chery Sets Export Records, Mature Global Network
Chery Group sold 240,678 vehicles in March, including 70,106 NEVs.
Chery exported 148,777 vehicles in March, setting a new Chinese auto export record and maintaining monthly exports of over 100,000 for 11 consecutive months. Its Fengyun series is popular overseas, especially in range-extender segments. Chery's extensive overseas service network makes it a top choice for bulk exports.
5. Great Wall Accelerates EV Transition, Off-Road & EV Models Expand
Great Wall Motors reported total sales of 106,198 units in March.
Haval: 57,021 units
Tank: 18,316 units
Wey: 7,751 units
Ora: 2,529 units
Great Wall is accelerating its NEV transformation based on its new "Guiyuan" platform. Tank models are in strong demand in overseas high-end off-road markets, while Ora targets urban users. Its diverse lineup supports flexible export strategies.
6. Leapmotor Tops New Forces, Cost-Effective for Global Markets
Leapmotor delivered 50,029 units in March, ranking first among standalone new energy brands and achieving overall profitability.
Focused on in-house R&D and affordable pricing, Leapmotor models are highly popular among young consumers and budget markets overseas. Upcoming models will further expand trade sourcing options.
7. Li Auto Recovers Production, EREV Models Fit Overseas Demand
Li Auto delivered 41,053 vehicles in March.
Its i-series and L-series focus on family comfort, with extended-range technology suitable for regions with limited charging infrastructure. Strong demand continues in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
8. GCD AION & Hyper Boost Synergy, Steady Growth
GAC's AION & Hyper division sold 38,268 units in March.
AION models lead in volume and reliability, while Hyper targets the high-tech premium segment. Both are well-suited for ride-hailing and family car exports.
9. NIO Expands Multi-Brand Layout, Battery Swapping Benefits Exports
NIO delivered 35,486 units in March, including NIO, Lida, and Firefly brands.
The new NIO ES8 became a top-selling large 3-row pure electric SUV. NIO's battery-swapping network solves charging pain points in high-end overseas markets.
10. Yipai Tech Grows via Scale, Budget-Friendly for Exports
Yipai Tech sold 27,505 units in March.
After integrating three sub-brands, its models offer strong specs at competitive prices, ideal for price-sensitive global markets.
11. Xpeng Advances Dual-Energy Strategy, Smart Driving Attracts Global Buyers
Xpeng delivered 27,415 vehicles in March.
Pursuing both pure electric and range-extender technologies, Xpeng leads in smart driving and AI. Its models appeal to tech-focused markets worldwide.
12. SeresAITO Forms Full Lineup, Strong High-End Presence
Seres sold 22,706 NEVs in March, mainly through the AITO brand.
AITO's M7, M8, and M9 models dominate the premium segment. The Harmony ecosystem is especially popular among overseas Chinese buyers.
13. Xiaomi Auto Accelerates Deliveries, High Global Hype
Xiaomi Auto delivered over 20,000 units in March.
The SU7 and YU7 series enjoy strong global pre-orders and inquiries, making Xiaomi a fast-rising star in auto export trade.
14. Voyah Surges 80% YoY, Reliable Premium Choice
Voyah delivered 15,019 units in March, up a remarkable 80% year-on-year.
Backed by state-owned enterprise quality and deep cooperation with Huawei, Voyah appeals to professional and high-end overseas buyers.
15. BAIC New Energy Upgrades Intelligence, Premium Potential Grows
BAIC NEV sold 13,647 units in March.
Arcfox and Xiangjie are accelerating intelligent and autonomous driving layouts, positioning for future high-end exports.
16. IM Motors Innovates Tech, Premium Smart Models Expand
IM Motors sold 7,187 units in March.
The LS8 and LS9 series emphasize luxury and intelligence, suitable for premium and demonstration vehicle demand abroad.
17. Dongfeng M-Terrain Leads Hardcore Off-Road Niche
Dongfeng M-Terrain sold 2,036 units in March.
Powered by Huawei's technology, it performs strongly in tough-terrain markets including Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
18. Rock Motor Steady Overseas, Strong in MENA Region
Rock Motor sold 1,480 units in March.
It has exceeded 10,000 cumulative sales in the Middle East and North Africa, with stable supply for international dealers.
Key Takeaways for Auto Foreign Trade
From a used car & new energy vehicle export perspective, March 2026 data sends very positive signals:
Chinese automakers are recovering steadily, increasing the supply of quasi-new used cars.
EV technology has matured, with better range, charging, and intelligence for global markets.
Top brands are expanding globally, improving after-sales and parts support to reduce trade risks.
EREV and hybrid models grow rapidly, adapting to markets with limited charging facilities.
We will continue to share updates on China auto sales, model pricing, export policies, and overseas demand to support your bulk purchasing, vehicle sourcing, and international shipping decisions.
Company Name: Jingsun Car Co., Ltd
Website: https://www.sin-auto.com/?url=jingsuncar.com
Service Countries: Ghana / Algeria / Cambodia / Middle East / East Africa (Years of practical experience, familiar with customs clearance rules of various countries)