Plan Insurance Blog

China’s Ascent: The Driving Force in Global Car Exports 2024

The automobile industry is undergoing a seismic shift, propelled by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). In a groundbreaking development, China is poised to outpace traditional automotive powerhouses like Germany and Japan to become the world’s leading car exporter in 2024, driven predominantly by the surging demand for EVs.

The landscape of the car industry is evolving rapidly, with EVs challenging the dominance of traditional combustion-engine vehicles. Chinese manufacturers, recognizing their potential, have swiftly seized the opportunity, positioning themselves at the forefront of this transformative wave.


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A significant contributor to China’s impending global leadership in car exports is the prolific demand for EVs. The Shenzhen-based BYD, backed by renowned investor Warren Buffett, has emerged as a pivotal player, surpassing even the mighty Tesla in quarterly sales. In the last quarter, BYD reported sales of 526,409 fully electric vehicles, outshining Tesla’s 484,507 deliveries. This marks a momentous achievement for BYD, positioning it as the top player in the EV market during that specific period.

While Tesla remains the world’s largest maker of EVs across the entire year of 2023, with 1.81 million cars sold compared to BYD’s 1.57 million, the Chinese company’s growth trajectory is unmistakable. BYD’s success is not limited to its domestic market; it has been strategically expanding into international territories, including Europe.

One of BYD’s distinctive advantages is its integrated approach to production. Unlike many overseas rivals grappling with rising raw material costs and chip shortages, BYD controls its entire supply chain. The company mines its own resources, manufactures batteries, and produces chips, shielding it from the challenges faced by others in the industry.

China’s ascendancy in the global car export arena reflects not only the prowess of BYD but also the broader surge in the Chinese electric vehicle market. Their scale is facilitating production at incredibly low costs per unit domestically. This efficiency may enable Chinese manufacturers to remain competitive in global markets despite aggressive, protectionist tariffs by foreign governments who are concerned by the threat they pose to their home grown products.

With a relentless focus on innovation, a robust domestic market presence, and strategic global expansion, China is poised to lead the charge in reshaping the future of the automotive industry in 2024 and beyond. As the world witnesses this transformation, the dynamics of car exports are undergoing a seismic shift, with China at the helm of the electric revolution.

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