In 1997, Changcheng pickup trucks were exported to the Middle East and Africa. From 1998 to 2002, Changcheng ranked first in vehicle export volume among Chinese automakers.

In 2001, the first series of Chery cars was exported to Syria, marking Chery and China's first step to enter the international car market.

In 2003, Geely made its debut in the international car market by exporting 500 units. It was the first time a privately owned Chinese automaker exported.

In 2003, Zhongxing pickup trucks and Zhongxing SUVs manufactured according to the North American standard were sold in the American market.

In 2005, Fuquankou cargo ship, owned by China Ocean Shipping (Group) Co., sailed to the Middle East, carrying 120 Dongfeng trucks and more than 300 China-made cars. It signaled the end of the foreign monopoly on ocean liners transporting cars.

In 2005, the quantity of exported cars surpassed that of imported ones in China for the first time.

In 2006, Brilliance signed a five-year contract with a German company to sell 158,000 Zhonghua cars in Germany and some other European countries. It was the largest ever export order sheet from a developed country for China.