Chinese carmaker BYD chases 24% export growth with new models, more showrooms abroad

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) king BYD aims for a 24 per cent increase in its overseas deliveries in 2026, buoyed by an expanded sales network and new model launches, as it pursues growth abroad to counteract a slowing domestic market.The Shenzhen-based company, the world’s largest builder of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, expected to sell 1.3 million cars this year outside mainland China, up 24.3 per cent from 2025, said Li Yunfei, general manager of branding and public relations, in a media briefing on Saturday.“We will launch more new models in some lucrative markets, which will include our Denza-branded vehicles,” he said. “Our network of dealers will be further expanded.”Admitting that BYD faced challenges in driving up its sales both at home and abroad this year, Li said increasing brand awareness across the globe would provide a catalyst for international expansion.Last year, BYD’s sales outside the mainland accounted for about 23 per cent of its total deliveries, which rose 7.7 per cent to 4.6 million units. Its proportion of overseas sales more than doubled from just 10 per cent in 2024.BYD builds vehicles under five brands: mass-market brands Dynasty and Ocean, premium brand Denza, off-road-capable SUV brand Fang Cheng Bao and luxury brand Yangwang.Its overseas distribution network now numbers 2,000 dealers.