Discover how Chinese car makers captured over 35% of world auto sales in 2025 and what it means for buyers and investors. Read more now!
Global Vehicle Sales Reach New Heights
In 2025, the worldwide auto market recorded a total of 96.47 million cars, a 5% increase from the previous year. Major regions posted steady growth: the United States sold 16.72 million units (+1%), India 5.58 million (+7%), Japan 4.56 million (+3%) and Germany 3.16 million (+1%).
China Leads the Pack
According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), Chinese manufacturers delivered 34.35 million vehicles in 2025, up 9% year‑over‑year. By mid‑year, China’s share of global car sales hit 36% (15.65 million cars), an 11% jump from the same period in 2024. The momentum continued, peaking at 40% in November and 37% in December, and closing the year at **35.6%** of all cars sold worldwide.
Historical Perspective
Since 2016, Chinese automakers have steadily expanded their footprint:
- 2016‑2018: roughly 30% of global sales
- 2019: a slight dip to 29%
- 2020‑2021: recovery to 32%
- 2022: 33.5%
- 2023: 33.8%
- 2024: 34.2%
2025 solidifies the trend, confirming China as the world’s leading car producer.
Top Global Players – Chinese Brands in the Elite Ten
Among the ten biggest automobile manufacturers worldwide in 2025, three are Chinese:
- BYD – ranked 5th
- Geely – ranked 7th
- Chery – ranked 10th
These companies are not only strong domestically but also pivotal in shaping export dynamics.
Export Boom: 8.3 Million Cars shipped Abroad
Chinese automakers exported a total of 8.32 million vehicles in 2025, a 30% rise from 2024, keeping China at the top of global auto exports for a third consecutive year. New‑energy vehicles (NEVs) led the surge, with 3.43 million units abroad—a 70% increase. Average export price fell to **US$16,000**, partly due to a reduced share of premium models such as Tesla.
Key Destination Markets
The biggest export destination was Mexico, while market share grew in the Middle East, Central and South America, and Europe. Notably, the United States saw a modest slowdown, and Russia’s market continued to contract.
Spotlight on Vietnam
Vietnam imported 47,895 cars from China in 2025, a 53.9% jump over 2024, according to Vietnamese customs data. This makes China the third‑largest source of imported cars for Vietnam, trailing Indonesia (78,156 units) and Thailand (66,109 units).
What This Means for the Industry
The rise of Chinese manufacturers reshapes the competitive landscape. Investors are watching BYD, Geely and Chery closely for potential partnerships, while consumers worldwide benefit from a broader, more affordable range of vehicles, especially in the fast‑growing NEV segment.
Looking Ahead
With an expanding export portfolio and strong domestic demand, Chinese automakers are poised to increase their global share even further. Stakeholders should monitor policy shifts, battery technology advances, and emerging market trends that could accelerate this trajectory.