The automotive industry in China, following the economic trend of the last thirty years, continues to develop rather rapidly and for some years now many Chinese brands are beginning to be known outside the country’s borders.

The Chinese automotive industry has been the largest in the world measured by automobile unit production since 2008. Since 2009, the annual production of automobiles in China exceeds that of the United States and Japan combined.

Below you can find a list of Chinese car manufacturers that have managed to establish themselves in markets around the world.

Dongfeng Motor, 东风汽车

Dongfeng Motor Corporation is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer based in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Traditionally considered one of the “Big Three” Chinese car manufacturers, Dongfeng is currently among the top four in terms of production. In addition to commercial and private vehicles, Dongfeng produces automobile parts and components.

Changan Automobile, 长安汽车

Changan’s core business is the manufacture of micro vans, cars, commercial vans, and light trucks. Changan, also state-owned, operates in the country in several joint ventures with international brands such as Ford, Suzuki, and Mazda. In China, it is considered the second most popular national brand, with 1.4 million cars sold in 2016 alone.

Geely, 吉利

Geely is a Chinese car manufacturer based in Hangzhou, Zhenjiang Province, founded in 1997. Geely acquired Volvo Cars from Ford for $1.8 billion in 2010. Today, the brand is worth more than 110 billion yuan and the company has been ranked among the 500 largest companies in the world for three consecutive years.

Chery, 奇瑞

Chery, also founded in 1997, is based in Wuhu, Anhui. Chery mainly produces minivans, cars, and SUVs. In 2012 Jaguar Land Rover set up a joint venture with Chery called Chery Jaguar Land Rover to produce Jaguars and Land Rovers in China. Over the years this brand has managed to establish itself internationally.

SAIC Motor, 上汽集团

SAIC Motor is also state-owned, based in Shanghai. The origins of SAIC date back to the early years of the Chinese automotive industry in the 1940s. SAIC was one of the few automakers in China during the Maoist era, producing the SH760 in Shanghai. In 2014, SAIC produced the largest number of vehicles, reaching 4.5 million. SAIC is also one of the longest-lasting joint ventures in the country, with Volkswagen. Since 1998 SAIC Motor has participated in another impressive joint venture with General Motors. SAIC is ranked among the 100 largest brands in the world.

FAW Group Corporation 第一汽车集团

FAW is a state-owned car manufacturer based in Changchun, Jilin. It mainly produces cars, buses, trucks, and spare parts. In 2014, the company was the second-largest vehicle manufacturer in the country.

BAIC Group, 北京汽车工业控股有限责任公司

Beijing Automotive Group Co. Ltd. (BAIC Group), was founded in 1958 and is a Chinese state-owned enterprise located in Beijing. The company manufactures passenger cars (BAIC Motor), military vehicles and SUV (BAW), trucks and agricultural equipment (Foton Motor). BAIC also makes Mercedes and Hyundai-branded cars for the Chinese Market through two joint ventures.

Brilliance Auto, 华晨汽车集团

Brilliance Auto Group is an automobile manufacturer based in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. Its main activity is the design and production of passenger cars. Brilliance also participates in a joint ventures with BMW and Renault.

Great Wall Motors, 长城汽车

Great Wall Motors is based in Baoding, Hebei and it was formed in 1984. Great Wall Motors is the largest SUV and pick-up truck producer in China. In 2016 GWM sold more than 1 million cars.

BYD Auto, 比亚迪汽车

BYD Auto was founded in 2003, after the merge with Tsinchuan Automobile company in 2002. BYD produces passenger cars, buses, trucks, electric bicycles, and rechargeable batteries. BYD also participates in a joint venture with Daimler AG, producing luxury electric cars.

JAC Motors, 江淮汽车

JAC Motors was founded in 1964 as Hefei Jianghuai Automobile, and it is based in Hefei, Anhui province. It is a Chinese state-owned company that produces mainly automobiles and commercial vehicles.

GAC Group, 广汽集团

GAC Group, officially Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. was founded in 1955 and it is headquartered in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, and it is a subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group. GAC sells vehicles under the brand Trumpchi, Changfeng Motor, and Aion. GAC participates in a joint venture with Honda.

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