Chery Automobile Co exported 17,412 vehicles in April, a high for 2012. It was an increase of 39.1 percent over same month last year and a 40.1 percent rise over March.

Chery's projected exports of 20,000 units in May will be a historic high for the carmaker if the target is met.

At the recently concluded Beijing Auto Show, Chery announced a 2012 overseas sales goal of 171,000 units.