The cars shipped last month include the sedan, hatchback, crossover and wagon versions of Brilliance's Splendor compact, according to the company.

Brilliance also expects to export the car to Brazil and the Dominican Republic.

After its Grandeur mid-sized car failed to pass crash tests in Europe in 2006, Brilliance has focused on exports to developing countries. It sells cars and vans to Middle Eastern countries.

Brilliance, headquartered in the northeast China city of Shenyang, produces cars, vans and pickups. The company also has a joint venture with BMW AG that produces the BMW 3 series and 5 series in Shenyang.

In the first nine months of the year, Brilliance's sales dropped 19 percent to 101,372 vehicles.