Statistics released by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) reveal that exports of Chinese automobiles, and in particular passenger vehicles, soared in the first quarter. Exports reached 62,628 in volume and $646.96 million in value, an increase of 139% and 204.5% respectively. Of this total, car exports accounted for 16,813, up 458% year-on-year, with an export value of $116.76 million.

As many Chinese makes are now being sold overseas, several companies have also set up manufacturing facilities abroad. Chery has set up a factory in New Siberia, Russia where it assembles its Tiggo car. The company also plans to set up a new factory with the capacity to produce 150,000 cars in Kaliningrad, Oblast, in 2007.