"Chery's investment will pave the way for technology transfer, automation, digitalization and advanced manufacturing systems," said South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, adding that these developments will strengthen South Africa's industrial capacity.

　　In Brazil, Chinese automaker BYD is embedding R&D, production, sales, services and supply chains into the local economy. Its plant in the state of Bahia employed 5,500 direct workers as of July this year, 86 percent of them from Bahia. Once fully operational, it is expected to support 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, with the company aiming for local suppliers to account for over 50 percent of components by 2027.

　　The expanding footprints of overseas investment came along with the increasing popularity of Chinese NEVs across diverse markets. In Europe, new-car registrations of Chinese brands have for two consecutive months surpassed those of Japanese automakers. In Southeast Asia, consumers in Thailand and Singapore have queued for popular Chinese NEV models, while in the Middle East, Chinese brands have continued to gain traction even amid regional instability.

　　Chinese automakers are also tailoring vehicles to local demands. Chery, now present in over 130 countries and regions, optimized acceleration and hill-climbing for South America's mountains and strengthened interior sealing for the Middle East's deserts.

　　Chinese NEV brands are especially gaining market share in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and other parts of the Global South, according to Ron Zheng, senior partner of Roland Berger and Asia head of automotive practice.

　　"For consumers in these emerging markets, Chinese NEVs are not only affordable but also offer superior features," Zheng said.