Chery Group shipped 212,959 vehicles overseas in the first 10 months this year, becoming the first Chinese passenger car maker to exceed 200,000 units in the period.

The exports marked a 145.7 percent rise from the same period last year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and global chip shortages, said the carmaker.

Yin Tongyue, chairman of the carmaker, said the brand's popularity in overseas markets lies in its focus on quality and technology.

He made the remark at an event on Thursday in celebration of the 20th anniversary of its overseas operations.

Headquartered in Wuhu, Anhui province, Chery has ranked No 1 for 18 years in a row in terms of vehicle exports among Chinese carmakers.

Its models are now available in over 80 countries and regions. It has set up 10 overseas factories, more than 1,500 overseas dealerships and service outlets.

Its cumulative overseas deliveries stand at 1.9 million, over 19 percent of its total vehicles sales.

Yin said Chery has valued technology and it will continue to sharpen its competitive edge in partnership with outstanding technology companies.

Robust exports are a sign of China's rise as an automobile power, and the vast international market has great potential for Chinese carmakers to explore, said Yin.

Xu Haidong, vice-chief engineer of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, said China's vehicle exports are expected to grow in coming years.

Statistics from the association show that carmakers in China exported 1.59 million vehicles in the first 10 months this year, less than 8 percent of total vehicles produced in the country.