China overtakes Japan as world’s top car exporter

China topped the list of the world’s largest automobile exporters this year, with exports of cars in the first 10 months exceeding 3.9 million units.

China’s automobile exports during the first quarter of this year amounted to 1.07 million vehicles, surpassing Japan for the first time to become the world’s largest automotive exporter.

Exports in the first 10 months of this year increased by 59.7% year-on-year to 3.92 million units.

“China will certainly become the world’s largest automotive exporter this year,” Wang Xia, chairman of the Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Trade Sub-Council, told Xinhua news agency.

“China’s automotive industry has made a strong step in global markets, despite the complex and dangerous international environment,” Wang said during remarks at the 21st Guangzhou International Motor Show, which opened in Guangzhou.

“The value of exports was only $1.56 billion in 2001, with a global share of 0.65%, while in the first eight months of this year the figure was close to $122 billion, representing 5.5% of the world’s total,” he explained.