Core Viewpoint - The Chinese used car market is poised to leverage its position as the largest new car consumer market to expand into global markets, particularly through long-distance used cars, which are increasingly seen as a viable option for international trade [2][3]. Group 1: Market Potential - In 2024, China's used car export volume has surpassed 400,000 units, covering over 160 countries and regions, indicating a significant opportunity for growth in the global market [2]. - Long-distance used cars are gaining traction due to their price competitiveness and suitability for emerging markets, which prioritize practical and cost-effective vehicles [3]. Group 2: Export Market Dynamics - The primary target markets for China's long-distance used cars are approximately 117 left-hand drive countries, mainly in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America, with an annual import growth rate of around 6% from 2021 to 2024 [4]. - In Central Asia and Northern Asia, China's used cars have captured about half of the import market share, with an annual growth rate of 28% [4]. Group 3: Challenges in Exporting - The development of long-distance used cars faces challenges such as fragmented vehicle sources, high certification costs due to non-standard vehicle conditions, and inefficiencies in the distribution process [5][6]. - There is a significant gap in after-sales service for exported used cars, with complaints emerging regarding the lack of support for vehicles sold overseas [7][8]. Group 4: Strategic Initiatives - Companies like SAIC Volkswagen are exploring various models for used car business, including repurchase strategies to stabilize prices and enhance competitiveness in international markets [9]. - The industry anticipates that if domestic dealers and trade enterprises can effectively utilize specialized international trade strategies, the export share of long-distance used cars could rise from under 8% to 50% within the next decade, achieving an annual export target of 5 million units [10].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese used car export market is shifting from "zero kilometer" vehicles to "long kilometer" vehicles due to international policy changes and market demands, with a focus on sustainable and quality-driven growth in the industry [1][6][8]. Group 1: Market Trends - The export volume of used cars from China has surged from approximately 3,000 units in 2019 to 436,000 units in 2024 [1]. - "Zero kilometer" used cars, which are essentially new cars sold at a discount, have become a popular choice for dealers looking to boost sales and profits [1][3]. - However, the rise of "zero kilometer" exports has led to market disruptions, affecting the normal trade of new and used cars and raising concerns about the competitive image of Chinese automotive brands abroad [1][4]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The Ministry of Commerce announced that it will implement regulations and procedures for used car exports starting February 2024, aiming to ensure quality and safety for overseas consumers [2]. - The government is expected to continue guiding the used car export sector to promote healthy and orderly development [2]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - The competitive landscape for used cars in China is intensifying, with over 50% of new car dealers currently operating at a loss, leading them to collaborate with used car exporters to alleviate financial pressures [4]. - The "zero kilometer" export model has been criticized for creating a "grey" market where cars are hoarded and sold at inflated prices, further squeezing the margins of compliant dealers [4]. Group 4: Future Directions - The industry is moving towards "long kilometer" used cars, which are better suited to meet international market demands for quality and practicality [6][7]. - "Long kilometer" vehicles are characterized by their adaptability to international standards and are seen as the key to unlocking global market potential [6][7]. - Industry leaders believe that with a strategic approach, "long kilometer" used cars could dominate the export market, potentially capturing 50% of the global share within a decade, equating to 5 million units [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the shift in China's used car export market from "zero-kilometer" vehicles to "long-kilometer" vehicles, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in this transition as the industry matures and seeks sustainable growth [1][8]. Group 1: Current State of Used Car Exports - China's used car exports have surged from approximately 3,000 vehicles in 2019 to 436,000 vehicles projected for 2024, with "zero-kilometer" cars being a significant part of this growth [1]. - "Zero-kilometer" used cars, which are essentially new cars with low mileage sold at a discount, have become a popular choice for exporters due to their appealing price point, often around 80% of the new car price [3][5]. - However, the export of "zero-kilometer" vehicles has raised concerns about market order, the quality of after-sales service, and the competitive image of Chinese automotive brands abroad [1][6]. Group 2: Regulatory and Market Dynamics - The Ministry of Commerce announced plans to standardize used car export procedures, aiming to ensure quality and safety while promoting healthy development in the sector [2]. - The competitive landscape for new cars in China has led to over 50% of dealers operating at a loss, prompting them to collaborate with used car exporters to alleviate financial pressures [5]. Group 3: Transition to Long-Kilometer Vehicles - Industry experts emphasize the need to transition to "long-kilometer" used cars, which are better suited to meet international market demands and are characterized by their quality and adaptability [8]. - The challenges in this transition include sourcing vehicles from individual owners and small dealers, high costs of vehicle condition certification, and inefficiencies in logistics and distribution [8]. - The potential for "long-kilometer" vehicles to dominate the export market is significant, with projections suggesting that China could capture 50% of the global market share for this category within a decade, equating to 5 million vehicles [9].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese used car export market is shifting from "zero kilometer" vehicles to "long kilometer" vehicles to better meet international market demands and address emerging challenges in the industry [1][6]. Group 1: Market Trends - The export volume of used cars from China has surged from approximately 3,000 units in 2019 to 436,000 units in 2024 [1]. - "Zero kilometer" used cars, which are essentially new cars sold at a discount, have been a popular choice for exporters but are increasingly seen as a temporary solution [1][5]. - The Ministry of Commerce has initiated regulations for used car exports, aiming for a healthy and orderly development of the sector [2]. Group 2: Challenges in the Industry - The competitive pricing of new cars has negatively impacted the profitability of used car businesses, with over 50% of dealers currently operating at a loss [4]. - The "zero kilometer" used car exports have created market disruptions, affecting both new and used car export trades and leading to increased competition in overseas markets [4][6]. - Issues such as the lack of standardized vehicle conditions and high certification costs are significant barriers to the growth of the used car export market [6]. Group 3: Transition to Long Kilometer Used Cars - The industry is moving towards "long kilometer" used cars, which are better suited for international markets and meet the demand for quality and price [6]. - The transition requires addressing challenges such as sourcing vehicles, standardizing vehicle conditions, and improving logistics efficiency [6]. - Industry leaders believe that with proper strategies, "long kilometer" used cars could dominate the export market, potentially capturing 50% of the global share within a decade, equating to 5 million units [7].

Core Viewpoint - The concept of "zero-kilometer used cars" serves specific needs in the automotive industry, acting as a bridge for domestic manufacturers to alleviate inventory pressure and expand into international markets [2][3]. Group 1: Zero-Kilometer Used Cars - Zero-kilometer used cars are essentially new cars that are registered in China and exported as used cars, allowing manufacturers to navigate inventory challenges [3][4]. - Since the initiation of used car exports in China in 2019, zero-kilometer used cars have played a significant role, accounting for a considerable portion of the total used car export volume [3][4]. - The growth of zero-kilometer used car exports has been notable, with exports increasing from approximately 1.5 million units in 2021 to 27.5 million units in 2023, and projected to reach 43.6 million units in 2024 [4]. Group 2: Industry Perspectives - The automotive industry exhibits mixed attitudes towards zero-kilometer used cars, with some manufacturers criticizing their impact on brand integrity while others see them as a market opportunity [5][6]. - Some industry experts argue that zero-kilometer used cars are a necessary market product that should not be overly restricted, as they help alleviate domestic market pressures [6][8]. - The debate continues regarding the balance between supporting zero-kilometer used car exports and protecting established brands that have invested in overseas market development [8][9]. Group 3: Future of Used Car Exports - The future of used car exports in China is expected to evolve, with long-kilometer used cars gaining competitiveness as domestic prices decline and international demand increases [14][15]. - The transition from zero-kilometer to long-kilometer used cars is anticipated, as the latter is expected to dominate the market in the coming years due to improved pricing and brand recognition [14][15]. - The overall strategy for Chinese automotive brands includes leveraging the existing supply chain for both new and used cars, enhancing their competitiveness in international markets [15].