Discover how BYD, SAIC and Geely vaulted into the global top‑10 car brands in 2025, reshaping the auto industry. Read the full analysis now!
The 2025 global automotive industry ranking is out, and it tells a dramatic story of change. While stalwarts like Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai and General Motors continue to hold the top four spots, three Chinese manufacturers have surged into the elite top‑10, shaking up the traditional hierarchy.
Who Holds the Top Four?
As expected, Toyota remains the world leader, followed closely by Volkswagen, Hyundai and General Motors. Stellantis keeps a solid fifth place, posting sales of over 5.4 million vehicles thanks to an 11 % growth in the second half of 2025.
BYD’s Leap to No. 6
Chinese electric‑vehicle pioneer BYD vaulted to #6 with total sales of 4.602 million units. Pure‑electric deliveries alone hit 2.257 million cars – a 27.9 % jump from the previous year – propelling BYD past Tesla for the first time as the world’s largest EV maker.
Government Policies Power the Surge
The rapid rise is not accidental. China’s “old‑for‑new” incentive programme generated more than ¥2.6 trillion (≈ US$380 billion) in sales in 2025, swapping out 11.5 million older vehicles for newer models, nearly 60 % of which were new‑energy vehicles (NEVs).
SAIC and Geely Overtake Western Rivals
Both SAIC and Geely outperformed longtime industry heavyweights Ford and Honda. Geely crossed the 4‑million‑unit threshold for the first time, while SAIC’s sales reached 4.6 million units. Internationally, BYD’s exports surged 145 % to 1.05 million cars, and SAIC shipped 1.071 million units abroad.
China Retains Its Crown as the World’s Largest Car Market
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers reports a total domestic production of 34.531 million vehicles and sales of 34.4 million, marking the 17th consecutive year that China leads the global market.
NEVs Dominate the Domestic Landscape
New‑energy vehicle sales topped 16 million units, accounting for over half of all new car sales in China. Export volumes surpassed 7 million vehicles, cementing China’s status as the world’s top automotive exporter.
What This Means for the Global Auto Industry
The breakthrough of BYD, SAIC and Geely signals a new era where Chinese brands are not just regional players but genuine global competitors. Their rapid EV adoption, backed by strong policy support and aggressive export strategies, forces traditional manufacturers to rethink product roadmaps and market tactics.
Stay tuned as the automotive landscape continues to evolve—China’s momentum shows no sign of slowing.