SAIC Motor, China's largest automaker by sales, reported overseas sales of 1.166 million vehicles in the first nine months of the year, a 52.4% increase from the same period last year, according to Chinese automotive news outlet Gasgoo. The figure already exceeds the company's total overseas sales for the full year of 2025. In total, SAIC sold 3.147 million vehicles in the January-to-September period, maintaining its position as the top-selling automaker in China.
Commercial vehicles and MG lead the charge
SAIC's commercial vehicle division saw overseas sales reach 18,395 units in September, up 120% year on year and a record monthly high. The company said it is now China's largest exporter of light commercial vehicles to Europe, with nearly 100,000 units operating on the continent. Growth was also recorded in Australia, Argentina, Singapore and Egypt.
The MG brand, SAIC's main passenger car export, sold over 280,000 units in Europe in the first three quarters, up 23% year on year. In the UK, MG posted September sales of 18,000 units, a monthly record for the brand, with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounting for more than 90% of that volume. In Poland, MG's market share rose to 4.38% in September, ranking seventh among passenger car brands.
Expanding into new markets
In Central America and the Caribbean, MG's sales across 18 markets grew 86% year on year, aided by a regional distributor model. The brand also showcased multiple hybrid and electric models at the Buenos Aires China Auto Expo in Argentina.
SAIC's joint ventures are also contributing to overseas growth. The SAIC Volkswagen Lamando L has begun its first exports to Mexico, marking the company's entry into the North American market. Meanwhile, Buick's Electra E7 has been exported to South Korea.
