Mexican voyage

On March 16, the Phoenix, a cargo vessel owned by Anji, left Ningde, Fujian province, for Lazaro Cardenas, a port city in Mexico, carrying 1,000 MG vehicles. The 13,500-kilometer voyage was completed in about 23 days.

The new route reduces the journey time by three to five days, compared with the previous method of transporting the vehicles from SAIC's plant in Ningde to Shanghai, before they were shipped.

In 2020, Anji opened a route to Europe, which is fast becoming a major destination for SAIC. Last year, the carmaker delivered more than 100,000 vehicles to that continent.

Zhao Aimin, SAIC International's executive vice-president, said in March that European deliveries that month for the company's hatchback MG4 Electric could reach 10,000.

"We now have about 40,000 orders in Europe awaiting delivery," Zhao said.

Chen Shihua, deputy secretary-general of CAAM, said vehicles manufactured in China have shaken off stereotypical perceptions thanks to improved quality, stylish design and a competitive edge in electrification and onboard features.

"Export destinations tell a story. Our NEVs are selling well in destinations where we failed to gain a foothold previously, such as Europe," Chen said.

Stefan Mecha, head of sales at Volkswagen Group China, said the nation is "without a doubt" leading the way with NEVs, adding that he has not seen a country develop as quickly as China.