Chinese automakers going abroad

Brands establish overseas bases and boost exports as domestic sales growth slows

With cars assembled in Mexico, trucks manufactured in India, and SUVs and light trucks delivered to other Southeast Asian countries from its Ruili manufacturing base in Yunnan province, Beijing Automotive Group Co Ltd, or BAIC Group, is building itself a solid reputation for products that are inexpensive and easily serviceable.

Xu Heyi, president of BAIC Group, one of China's top five automakers, said Chinese vehicle manufacturers used to rely on easy money from joint venture brands. But now they are shifting their focus to overseas markets, as growth in the domestic market has more or less bottomed out, he said.