Discover how Chinese car makers like MG, BYD and Chery shattered European sales records in 2025. Read the full analysis and see what’s next – explore now!
Chinese automakers have quietly been expanding their footprint in Europe, and 2025 turned out to be a breakout year. Thanks to aggressive pricing, expanding model line‑ups and growing consumer acceptance of electric vehicles, brands such as MG, BYD and Chery collectively secured a historic slice of the European market.
Record‑setting December and Annual Sales
According to Dataforce, which tracks 98% of vehicle registrations across the EU, the UK and EFTA, a total of 13,295,075 new cars were delivered in Europe in 2025 – up from 12,994,720 the year before. December alone accounted for 1,151,209 registrations, a 7.6% rise over December 2024.
For the first time, Chinese manufacturers sold more than 100,000 cars in a single month, hitting 109,864 units in December. Across the whole year they delivered 810,982 vehicles, a 99% increase versus 2024, giving them a 6.1% share of the European market by year‑end.
Top Performing Chinese Groups
- SAIC Group (MG & Maxus) – 307,812 units (MG alone: 307,282; Maxus: 530)
- BYD – 186,612 units, driven by models Seal U, Dolphin Surf, Sealion 9 and Seal
- Chery – 120,207 units, with its Jaecoo sub‑brand jumping from 2,490 to 56,944 units
- Geely – 400,725 units, of which 332,226 were Volvo models
- Leapmotor (Stellantis‑backed) – 33,567 units, 60% of which were the compact T03 EV
Brand Highlights
MG finished 2025 as the 16th‑largest brand in Europe, overtaking established names such as Cupra, Nissan and Fiat. Its success is anchored in a blend of affordable electric/hybrid models and a strong dealer network.
BYD saw its Seal U hybrid‑plug‑in become Europe’s best‑selling PHEV, with 72,667 of the 79,407 units sold being the plug‑in version. The brand’s rapid climb placed it at 22nd overall, ahead of Suzuki, Mini and Mazda.
Chery’s Jaecoo and Omoda lines were key growth drivers, together adding more than 110,000 cars to the market. Their sleek styling and competitive pricing resonated with cost‑conscious buyers.
Geely’s Volvo operation continued to dominate the premium segment, while Lynk & Co, Polestar and Zeekr also posted double‑digit growth. Polestar, in particular, sold 47,579 units – a 56% jump – thanks largely to the launch of the Polestar 4, which contributed 26,316 cars.
Emerging Players and Market Share Growth
Leapmotor, buoyed by Stellantis investment, secured the sixth spot among Chinese makers in Europe. Its T03 micro‑EV, priced under €15,000, appealed to urban commuters seeking an inexpensive electric option.
Overall, Chinese brands collectively grew their market share from roughly 3% in 2023 to over 6% at the close of 2025, highlighting a clear upward trajectory.
Impact on Traditional European Brands
The surge of Chinese manufacturers is reshaping the competitive landscape. Brands that once dominated the mid‑range segment are now fighting for floor‑space against lower‑priced, feature‑rich Chinese models. Analysts expect the pressure to intensify as more Chinese EVs receive Type‑Approval across the EU.
Looking ahead, continued regulatory support for zero‑emission vehicles and expanding charging infrastructure are likely to further accelerate Chinese brand penetration in Europe.
Stay tuned for the next wave of data as 2026 unfolds – the race for European road space is far from over.