BYD's Main Export
In the first five months of 2025, BYD's core export models in overseas markets have become increasingly clear.
With 113,361 units exported, the Song PLUS DM-i became BYD's most popular overseas model, followed by the Seagull and Hiace 07, which contributed 45,238 and 38,572 units, respectively. Familiar models like the Yuan PLUS, Song Pro DM-i, and Dolphin remained at the top of the list.
Looking at the overall fuel mix, pure electric vehicles account for 53% of BYD's overseas exports, while plug-in hybrids account for 47%.
Notably, plug-in hybrids like the Song PLUS DM-i and Song Pro DM-i remain BYD's "cutting-edge" products, boosting sales in many markets.
Within the pure electric product line, models like the Seagull, Hiace 07, Yuan PLUS, and Dolphin precisely address diverse market segments.
This dual-track approach of plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles has become BYD's key strategy for achieving success overseas. On the one hand, plug-in hybrid technology has helped BYD quickly establish a competitive advantage in markets with high fuel prices and underdeveloped charging infrastructure. On the other hand, as the pure electric vehicle market matures, affordable small cars like the Seagull and Dolphin have become key drivers of sales growth.
However, BYD is also aware that the global market is evolving at a different pace. How to flexibly adjust the "plug-in hybrid/pure electric" mix based on local energy structures and consumer habits, while simultaneously capturing market share and maintaining profits, will be the next challenge for BYD in its overseas expansion.
MG's Main Export
In the first five months of 2025, MG's sales leaders remained familiar faces.
The MG ZS maintained its top spot with over 77,000 exports, followed closely by the MG3 and MG HS, which contributed 41,849 and 31,225 units, respectively. Looking at the overall fuel mix, gasoline models still accounted for 40% of total exports, pure electric models reached 35%, hybrids accounted for 22%, and plug-in hybrids were relatively small, at only 3%.
Compared to BYD and Chery's dual-track overseas expansion strategy of "plug-in hybrid + gasoline," MG's electrification strategy is significantly faster. Pure electric models like the MG ZS EV, MG4, and MG Cyberster are becoming key strategic weapons in the European market, while hybrid-focused products like the MG HS are also expanding their reach.
However, gasoline vehicles remain MG's primary focus in establishing a presence in markets such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America. Exports of plug-in hybrids remain relatively low, indicating that MG's commitment to its "new energy transition plan" is insufficient.
MG's current electrification pace can be regarded as "one step ahead of BYD and Chery", but from the perspective of market breadth and the richness of the product matrix, how to find a more flexible balance between new energy and fuel vehicles is still a key issue on its road to globalization.
Great Wall's Main Export
In the first five months of 2025, Great Wall Motors' overseas sales were still driven by its robust SUVs.
The Haval First Love, H6, and F7 models combined contributed over 60% of total exports. The First Love, in particular, saw 35,844 units exported, remaining the dominant seller in Great Wall's overseas market.
By fuel type, gasoline vehicles accounted for 61%, hybrids for 21%, plug-in hybrids for 11%, and pure electric vehicles for only 6%, indicating that new energy vehicle penetration is still in its exploratory stages.
Unlike BYD's "plug-in hybrid breakthrough" and MG's "electric-first" approach, Great Wall's overseas strategy remains very much like Great Wall's—a robust and steady approach, relying on gasoline-powered SUVs and pickup trucks to carve out a niche in the market.
In regions with strong demand for gasoline-powered vehicles, such as Russia, the Middle East, and Australia, Great Wall has firmly grasped user pain points and continued to expand its market share.
However, it's crucial to note that the pace of the new energy transition is becoming crucial in determining the future landscape. While hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of models like the Haval H6 and F7 have begun to appear on export charts, and the Ora Good Cat has delivered 4,711 units, overall sales still lag significantly behind its core gasoline-powered models.
Great Wall has a strong foundation in globalization, but in the new energy era, the competition for overseas expansion is no longer just about "who is more stable," but also about "who runs faster and who turns more nimbly." While maintaining its fundamental market share, Great Wall urgently needs a new energy "hit" model that will truly impress global users.
Changan's Main Export
In the first five months of 2025, fuel-powered vehicles remained the primary force in Changan's overseas sales, accounting for 81%. Cost-effective and practical fuel-powered models such as the CS55, Yuexiang, and CS35 Plus underpinned Changan's sales in emerging markets in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South America.
However, the new energy vehicle segment remains weak—pure electric vehicles account for only 10%, while plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles combined account for less than 9%. While the Deep Blue S07 has seen a slight improvement, overall sales have yet to reach scale, significantly lagging behind the overseas new energy vehicle penetration rates of brands like BYD and MG.
This reflects both Changan's current strategic focus on "stabilizing its fuel vehicle export base" and its slow pace in globalizing its new energy vehicle strategy. After all, overseas consumers' acceptance of new energy vehicles is rapidly increasing, and the electrification trend in emerging markets is no longer a distant future.
Whether Changan can leverage the Deep Blue and Avita models to accelerate its new energy vehicle overseas expansion will be a crucial step in its ability to break free from its "fuel vehicle" label.
Geely's Main Export
In the first five months of 2025, Geely's overseas exports showed a dual-pronged approach driven by both gasoline and new energy vehicles.
Gasoline vehicles remained Geely's main export force, accounting for 46%. The Bin Yue, with sales exceeding 43,000 units, firmly held the top spot. Plug-in hybrid models followed closely behind, accounting for 34%, signaling a positive shift in Geely's new energy vehicle strategy.
Pure electric and hybrid models accounted for 11% and 9% of the total, respectively. While their overall proportions are relatively small, models like the Boyue pure electric and Emgrand hybrid have already established a significant presence. Notably, diesel models represent almost zero sales, demonstrating Geely's gradual transition away from traditional diesel power.
Geely's combination of "gasoline + plug-in hybrid + pure electric" not only meets the diverse needs of various markets but also lays the foundation for its global expansion into new energy vehicles. As its new energy vehicle portfolio continues to expand, Geely's overseas competitiveness is expected to further enhance.
Geely has already pressed the accelerator on its new energy vehicle push.
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