Build a big port to help China car export!- SellGoodCar.Com

SGC News, December 12 – The Haitong Taicang Auto Terminal, jointly developed by SAIC Motor, Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), and Jiangsu Port Group, has officially commenced operations. Speaking on the positive impact expected from this new terminal, SAIC Motor Vice President Wu Bing noted:

"The Haitong Taicang Auto Terminal will enhance the integration of the automotive supply chain, industrial chain, and innovation chain across the Yangtze River Delta. This will drive the coordinated development of domestic automotive production, transportation, and sales, improving transport capacity, optimizing logistics costs, and strengthening international competitiveness."

Automobile exports have been a major highlight for China’s automotive industry in recent years. Shipping terminals are crucial nodes in global trade and vital links in the global automotive supply chain. As the largest auto ro-ro terminal along the Yangtze River, the Haitong Taicang Auto Terminal, with an annual throughput capacity of 1.3 million vehicles, will offer comprehensive ocean-going vehicle logistics services to clients, including SAIC Motor. This terminal aims to open new routes for Chinese automotive brands to expand overseas.

Building a Comprehensive Global Value Chain

SAIC Motor, as China’s first systematically organized automaker to "go global," has established a complete overseas automotive value chain, including innovation R&D centers, production bases, marketing hubs, supply chain centers, and financial companies. These developments provide a strong foundation for the high-quality and sustainable growth of its international business.

Currently, SAIC’s products and services span over 100 countries and regions. Its self-owned brand, MG, has successfully entered the mainstream market in countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Thailand, Mexico, and Chile.

Accelerating "Made-in-China" Global Expansion

With the global shift toward new energy and smart technologies, Chinese-made cars are making rapid inroads into international markets. According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China exported 5.345 million vehicles from January to November 2024, a 21.2% year-on-year increase.

The expansion of terminal infrastructure aligns with the growth of outbound automotive business. During the same period, SAIC’s overseas market sales reached 937,000 vehicles, leading the industry. Recent highlights include the new MG HS receiving 5-star safety ratings from Euro NCAP and Australia’s ANCAP, as well as ranking among the UK’s best-selling models for the month. The MG3 HEV outperformed Japanese competitors to win Thailand’s 2024 Car of the Year award, while the MG3 family maintained global sales momentum, achieving monthly sales of over 10,000 units.

Growth in European Markets

The European market has attracted significant attention. As of November, MG’s cumulative sales in Europe exceeded 220,000 units, maintaining positive year-on-year growth despite the challenges of the EU’s anti-subsidy investigations. SAIC expects annual European sales to reach new records.

A Minsheng Securities report predicts that if trade conditions in Europe tighten further, SAIC, with its overseas production capacity of 188,000 vehicles at the end of 2023, will expand its international production footprint to advance its globalization strategy.

Logistics and Terminal Expansion

Anji Logistics, a subsidiary of SAIC and a global leader in automotive logistics, operates in nearly 600 domestic cities and over 100 countries worldwide, with an annual transport capacity of 10 million vehicles. Its logistics network forms a "T" structure along China’s coasts and rivers, complemented by a fan-shaped railway network. It owns 5,820 meters of ro-ro berthing resources and has pioneered the layout of key coastal and riverine terminals in China.

Haitong Terminal, operated by Anji Logistics, is among the world’s largest ro-ro terminals, with an expected throughput of 3.5 million vehicles in 2024. The newly launched Haitong Taicang Auto Terminal spans 960,000 square meters with a 708-meter quay capable of accommodating two 70,000-ton ships and one 3,000-ton ship simultaneously. It can park up to 32,000 vehicles at once, while its five automotive service centers provide integrated storage, inspection, maintenance, and charging services.

Strengthening Overseas Shipping Capabilities

Facing global ro-ro shipping capacity constraints, automakers such as SAIC, BYD, and Chery have invested heavily in building their own ships.

SAIC has assembled a robust "export fleet" led by Anji Logistics, with 32 automotive vessels, including 11 river vessels, 9 domestic trade vessels, and 12 international vessels. The fleet serves eight major international routes, including Southeast Asia, Mexico, South America, Europe, and Australia-New Zealand. In addition to SAIC brands, Anji Logistics provides overseas shipping services for other Chinese automakers such as Dongfeng, Yutong, and Great Wall.

Earlier this year, SAIC launched its first LNG-powered ro-ro ship, Anji Shencheng, with a capacity of 7,600 vehicles and innovative features reducing CO₂ emissions by 30%. In July, its second LNG-powered vessel, Anji Jincheng, was delivered. Both vessels, equipped with advanced clean energy technology, will serve SAIC’s European routes, alleviating export shipping bottlenecks and accelerating the global expansion of Chinese auto brands.

Expanding Financial Resources for Global Growth

Recently, SAIC announced a strategic capital increase for Anji Logistics with contributions from COSCO Shipping and SIPG, each investing 1 billion yuan. Following this increase, Anji Logistics’ registered capital will rise from 600 million to 750 million yuan.

SAIC disclosed that the funds will support Anji Logistics’ international business expansion, including investment in its ro-ro fleet and the development of comprehensive logistics services in key overseas destinations. This initiative aims to establish a door-to-door international supply chain system for automotive exports.