(Yicai Global) March 10 -- New energy vehicles made in China are facing big challenges in penetrating overseas markets despite increased sales, representatives from auto giants Great Wall Motor and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group said at the ongoing Two Sessions, the annual meetings of China’s top legislative and political advisory bodies.

China's NEV sales fell behind Europe for the first time last year. Although total shipments surged 10 percent from the year before to 1.37 million units they still lagged behind Europe’s 1.4 million.

Chinese NEV makers need to quickly establish a foothold in the global market, and not just focus on consumers at home, as manufacturers in other countries are catching up rapidly, said GWM Chairwoman Wang Fengying, who is also a member of the National People's Congress.

Special freight trains for NEV are needed, especially for those heading to Europe, Geely Chairman Li Shufu said. At the moment, most electric vehicles are transported by ship which is not only costly, but slow and can cause corrosion.

The sector needs a five-to-ten-year global development plan to support firms going global and to help them build an independent worldwide supply chain, Wang said.

There are still many areas that need improving, such as better product positioning, adapting autos more to customers in different countries, improving the supply chain and removing dependence on imported technologies and resources, she added.

Editors: Zhang Yushuo, Kim Taylor