Discover the 2025 global car sales rankings—Toyota stays on top while BYD jumps ahead of Ford. Read the full analysis now!
In the latest worldwide automotive report, Toyota has secured its sixth consecutive year as the world’s largest car manufacturer, selling a staggering 11.32 million vehicles in 2025. The Japanese giant’s portfolio—including luxury brand Lexus, commercial‑vehicle maker Hino and budget‑friendly Daihatsu—kept it comfortably ahead of German rival Volkswagen, which slipped to 8.98 million units.
2025 Global Rankings: The Top Ten
- Toyota – 11.32 million
- Volkswagen – 8.98 million
- Hyundai (including Kia and Genesis) – 7.28 million
- General Motors – 6.18 million
- Stellantis – 5.48 million
- BYD – 4.6 million (ranked 6th, overtaking Ford)
- Ford – 4.4 million (down 2% YoY)
- Geely – 4.12 million
- Other notable players – combined ~3 million
Toyota’s Unshakable Lead
Even as the auto industry pivots toward electrification, Toyota’s diversified lineup has paid off. Its strong sales across internal‑combustion, hybrid, and plug‑in hybrid models helped the marque stay ahead of the competition, reinforcing its reputation for reliability and broad market appeal.
BYD’s Rapid Ascent
Chinese EV pioneer BYD recorded 4.6 million vehicle deliveries in 2025, a 7.7 % increase from the previous year. This growth lifted BYD to the 6th spot globally, pushing U.S. veteran Ford out of the top six for the first time. While China remains BYD’s biggest market, the company expanded exports to Europe, South America and Asia, reaching 1.05 million exported units—a figure expected to climb to 1.3 million by year‑end.
Domestic sales, however, have softened. In January 2025 BYD sold just 205,518 cars at home, down from 300,538 a year earlier. Electric‑vehicle deliveries fell from 125,377 to 83,249 units, and plug‑in hybrids dropped from 171,069 to 122,269.
Ford’s Struggles and Strategic Shift
Ford’s 2025 performance reflected a 2 % decline, delivering only 4.4 million vehicles. While the company logged modest gains in its native U.S. market, it lost ground in Europe and, critically, in China—where home‑grown rivals BYD, Xiaomi and Geely dominate with affordable electric models.
Compounding the issue, Ford posted an $8.2 billion loss, largely tied to costly restructuring of its electric‑vehicle business. A $19.5 billion charge was recorded as the automaker reshaped its EV strategy, underscoring the challenges of transitioning legacy manufacturers into the new era.
Geely: The Dark Horse
China’s Geely trailed Ford closely, moving 4.12 million units in 2025—just a few hundred thousand fewer than the Detroit giant. Geely’s aggressive push into affordable EVs and its expanding footprint across Europe and Asia make it a brand to watch in the coming years.
Conclusion
The 2025 automotive landscape is being rewritten by electric‑focused newcomers and established players alike. Toyota’s deep‑rooted brand equity keeps it at the summit, while BYD’s rapid export growth signals a shift toward Asian dominance. Meanwhile, legacy manufacturers such as Ford face a critical crossroads as they balance legacy operations with costly EV transitions.
Stay tuned for further updates on how these trends will shape the next decade of global mobility.