Chinese Automaker Rallies to Forge a New Era of Global Dominance

In a resounding call to action, China’s top-selling automaker BYD has ignited a patriotic fervor within the industry, urging Chinese companies to unite and “demolish old legends” of the global market. The impassioned plea by Wang Chuanfu, Founder and Chairman, BYD, comes during a momentous event commemorating a production milestone but aims to celebrate a greater purpose: the ascent of China as a formidable force in global auto manufacturing.

“I believe the time has come for Chinese brands,” says Chuanfu. “It is an emotional need for the 1.4 billion Chinese people to see a Chinese Brand becoming global.”

BYd’s rallying cry, which reverberated across the industry, underscored the intense competition among China´s automakers domestically, while simultaneously pursuing growth on the international stage. Many manufacturers are embroiled in a fierce price war initiated by Tesla In January. Moreover, as they vie for market share abroad, they must contend with consumer wariness and regulatory obstacles.

During the event BYD, released a video chronicling the founding of its fellow automakers, from the state-run FAW Group in 1956 to the recent emergence of commercial electric vehicles startups like Xpeng and Li Auto. The video quickly went viral on Chinese social media platforms, eliciting enthusiastic responses across BYD´s competitors. 

However, not all automakers embraced the rallying cry, cautioning that it could potentially expose

Chinese brands to regulatory risks overseas, particularly in the EU, where Chinese electric vehicle

exports face scrutiny for potential anti-dumping practices. In response, a senior executive from

Great Wall Motor, Wang Yuanli, questioned the feasibility of unity during such a critical juncture. 

BYD, meanwhile, continues to solidify its position as a leader in China’s new-energy market,

commanding a 37% share in the first seven months, up from 29% the previous year. The company

has even surpassed Volkswagen, China’s long-standing sales leader, in overall sales.

As China automakers navigate the intricate dynamics of competition at home and abroad, the

outcome of their collective pursuit to establish Chinese brands as global powerhouses remains to

be seen.