Liangjiang auto exports hit record high

Liangjiang New Area hit a record high in auto exports in the first 11 months of 2023, with an accumulative value of 14.18 billion yuan ($ 1.98 billion) and a year-on-year growth of 152 percent, the latest data shows. Participating countries of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) were among the major export destinations.

The regular operation of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) and the China-Europe Railway Express also enable faster transportation options for automakers to expand into overseas markets.

Wang Di, a senior manager of Changan's automobile logistics department, stated that railway transportation is more efficient than road transportation. Additionally, thanks to the stable and high-quality operation of ILSTC, the logistics time has decreased by 15 to 20 days when compared to previous transportation routes.

Changan is a leading Chinese automaker with a growing global presence. Its overseas sales surpassed 173 thousand vehicles in 2023, up 24.7 percent year-on-year. Statistics show that 90 percent of this total was contributed by BRI countries. As of last June, Changan established over 400 sales and service sites and has served nearly 900 thousand users in more than 60 countries along the Belt and Road.

 

The Changan Global R&D Center is located in Liangjiang New Area. [Photo provided by Changan]

Besides the logistics advancements, competitive products and preferential policies are also perceived to have propelled export growth.

As for SAIC Hongyan, its overseas expansion is backed by well-received new energy products. The SAIC electronic truck became the first of its kind to be used for commercial transportation in Chile. With its 26-ton loading capacity and 150-mile range, the model easily meets the needs of local mines.

 

The production line in SAIC Hongyan factory. [Photo provided by SAIC Hongyan]

Additionally, the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) benefits the company as the relevant tariff was cut to zero. This is a far cry from the previous 10 percent mandatory tariff. In 2023, SAIC Hongyan achieved a year-on-year sales growth of 300 per cent in the Indonesia market. It also oversaw the export of 4,000 heavy trucks to overseas markets such as Russia, Costa Rica, and Chile.

At present, Liangjiang New Area houses 10 whole vehicle manufacturers and more than 200 car parts suppliers. In 2023, its auto sector saw an output value of 184.6 billion yuan and the figure is expected to exceed 200 billion yuan in 2024, according to Li Jie, the vice-director of Liangjiang New Area's Administrative Committee.