Chinese Automotive OEM Overseas Factory Expansion and Investment Costs

Chinese automotive manufacturers (OEMs) are actively expanding their production capabilities outside of China, driven by export growth, global market penetration strategies, and government initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. The expansion efforts involve establishing Knock-Down (KD) assembly plants and full-scale manufacturing facilities across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa.

The following report details the overseas factory activities of key Chinese OEMs, including available investment figures.

Key Chinese OEM Overseas Manufacturing Footprint

Major Chinese OEMs are shifting from primarily exporting vehicles to establishing localized production, which allows them to better manage supply chains, avoid tariffs, and cater to regional market demands [9].

1. Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. (Chery)

Chery is one of China's largest auto exporters and has an established global presence through KD plants and a wide sales network.

• Global Presence: Chery has established 18 KD plants and 6 development sites around the world. Its sales network spans over 80 countries and regions [1].
• Export Volume: Chery's export volume in 2023 was 937,000 units, maintaining its position as the top Chinese brand passenger car exporter for 21 consecutive years [1].

2. Chang'an Automobile Co., Ltd. (Changan)

Changan has set ambitious goals for its overseas expansion under its "Vast Ocean Plan," aiming to enter over 90% of global markets by 2030.

• Thailand Investment (First Overseas Plant): Changan is investing CNY 4 billion (approximately USD 550 million at typical exchange rates) in Thailand to establish production facilities specifically for right-hand drive vehicles. This facility is intended to supply right-hand drive markets such as Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and South Africa [1].
• European Market: The company is also preparing for entry into the European market, targeting sales exceeding 300,000 units in Europe by 2030 [1].

3. SAIC Motor Group (SAIC)

SAIC has focused its local production efforts in Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia.

• Asia Production: SAIC manufactures vehicles locally in Thailand and Indonesia , and has been promoting new production in India [9].

4. Geely Auto Group

Geely utilizes strategic acquisitions and joint ventures to establish production hubs outside China.

• Malaysia: Following its investment in Proton, Geely released jointly developed models in Malaysia and plans to use the country as an export base [9].
• Europe (Belgium): Geely's Lynk & Co brand of connected cars is scheduled to be manufactured in Belgium [9].

5. BYD Auto (BYD)

BYD's international manufacturing strategy has heavily focused on electric vehicles, particularly buses, across various continents.

• Global EV Bus Production: BYD has established EV bus production facilities in Europe, North America, and South America (e.g., participating in public transport in Morocco and Brazil) [9].

6. BAIC Group (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., Ltd.)

The BAIC Group has made significant investments in Africa for local production.

• South Africa: BAIC opened a plant in South Africa, which, at the time of reporting (2018), was noted as the largest overseas investment made by any Chinese automaker [9].

7. GAC Group (Guangzhou Automobile Group)

GAC has focused on both R&D and market entry preparations in mature markets.

• UK: GAC established a research and development facility and design center in the U.K. [9].
• US Market: GAC announced its entry into the U.S. market in 2019 [9].

Summary of Known Investment Costs

Specific, publicly disclosed investment costs for overseas factory projects are generally limited in the search results, with Changan's Thailand plant being a notable exception.

OEM	Location	Investment Cost	Details	Source
Changan	Thailand	CNY 4 billion	Investment for production facilities focused on right-hand drive vehicles.	[1]
BAIC	South Africa	N/A (Undisclosed)	Described as the largest overseas investment made by a Chinese automaker at the time (2018).	[9]
Chery	Global (various)	N/A (Undisclosed)	Operates 18 KD plants worldwide.	[1]
BYD	Global (various)	N/A (Undisclosed)	Operates EV bus production facilities in Europe, North America, and South America.	[9]

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Disclaimer: The information above is based on proprietary reports and news articles available through MarkLines’ database as of November 2025. Investment costs and operational details may change rapidly due to evolving market conditions and strategies.