Customers check cars at Dongyang International Auto Market in Jinhua. [Photo/Dongyang International Auto Market]

Jixing Automotive Service Co in Dongyang county-level city, Jinhua, Zhejiang province, prepared its third shipment of used vehicles for Africa on Dec 12.

Affordable models, priced between 30,000 and 40,000 yuan ($4,255-5,674), are particularly popular in Africa. After initial sales, word spread through social networks, attracting more clients. "Now, African customers are visiting Dongyang to explore prices, broadening our market reach," said Wei Qiang, head of Jixing Company, who runs a store at the Dongyang International Auto Market.

Facing increased domestic competition and growing international demand, many dealers are eyeing global markets. Dongyang International Auto Market, a key player in regional automotive growth, secured authorization to export used cars in March. It offers free export qualifications and facilitates connections with freight services, enabling traders to enter the global market.

Wei, inspired by courses on second-hand car exports held at the market, researched and targeted West Africa as his primary export destination.

"For small businesses like mine, independent export licensing was challenging. The process seemed complex, and we lacked international contacts," Wei explained. "With the market providing free export services and freight connections, we've significantly reduced costs and time."

This initiative helps local dealers transition from regional players to international suppliers, revitalizing the local used-vehicle market.