Geely Auto raises export target to 920,000 units on overseas demand

Geely Auto raised its 2026 vehicle export target to 920,000 units from 640,000, after overseas shipments reached the prior full-year goal by mid-August.

"The group's export volume has reached 640,000 units as of today, achieving its previously set full-year target," Vice Chairman Gui Sheng Yue said at the results briefing.

Interim net profit fell 1.8% to RMB9.09 billion. Chief Financial Officer Dai Yong said the group will focus on five key markets in the second half: ASEAN, pan-Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa, plus the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

The raised target shows exports are cushioning weak domestic demand as Chinese automakers push into Europe. Shares rose 4.77%, with short selling of HK$233.52 million accounting for 22.026% of turnover.

Gui said the group's export range remains limited and its pricing band narrow, but demand for premium luxury brands in the Middle East and European markets is strong, while its i-HEV hybrid technology has achieved global competitiveness. The group will introduce products across price segments and strengthen luxury offerings.

Founder Li Shu Fu, who stepped down as chairman and executive director, said via video link that Geely will not rush for quick success. The company will build solid foundations, strengthen internal capabilities and pursue steady progress while ensuring global compliance and localized development. Li said the group will not build new production capacity, instead pursuing win-win cooperation and shared capacity with global industry peers.

The export push comes as Chinese brands including BYD, SAIC's MG and Chery expand across Europe, where Chinese autos now account for almost 10 percent of the market, according to consultancy AlixPartners, which expects that share to reach 16 percent by 2030. Geely's own stable spans its namesake brand plus Polestar and Volvo, giving it a foothold in both mass-market and premium segments.

The guidance raise points to management expecting overseas demand to keep accelerating. Investors will watch Geely's second-half sales in its five priority markets for evidence the 920,000-unit target is achievable.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.