China's auto exports are estimated to slow notably this year after holding the export crown for a second year in 2024, with no growth predicted for electric vehicle exports, an auto association official said on Thursday.

Beijing is planning to curb the export of technology used to extract minerals critical for the growth of the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, as a tech rivalry with Washington escalates ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump later this month.

China's exports of electric cars are unlikely to grow further this year, according to a Chinese association. Chinese car exports are expected to increase by 10% overall, said Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the industry association CPCA.

Sales of electric and hybrid vehicles jumped more than 40 percent in China last year, as demand for new energy models continues to surge and the sector remains entrenched in a gruelling price war.

Byd, Volkswagen and Xpeng new energy vehicles on display in Yichang, Hubei province, China, Jan. 8, 2025. China's domestic retail sales of new energy passenger vehicles has reach 11 million in 2024.

The Model Y, which Tesla announced in China, will start at 263,500 Chinese yuan ($35,935), with deliveries set to begin in March.

Tesla launched a new version of the Model Y, its best-selling car, in China on Friday, hoping that a redesigned exterior and upgraded features inside will help it regain market share taken by rivals such as Xiaomi.

Tesla has taken the unprecedented step of debuting a major model update in China as the US electric-car maker counters intense local competition with a long-awaited facelift of its Model Y. The refreshed version of the model that outsells its S,