3 Minutes
Chinese cars take more than one-third of the world market
China's automotive industry set a new milestone in 2025, selling 34.35 million vehicles and capturing a record 35.6% share of global auto sales. Out of 96.47 million cars sold worldwide, China's deliveries grew 9% year-over-year — considerably stronger than the global market's 5% growth.
How China outpaced other markets
While the U.S. market reached 16.72 million vehicles with only 1% growth and Japan and Germany showed marginal gains, India stood out with 5.58 million cars and a 7% rise. China’s monthly momentum was especially clear at year-end: its share hit 40% in November and 37% in December, underlining accelerating demand and export strength.
Highlights:
- China total sales: 34.35 million (2025)
- Global total: 96.47 million
- China market share: 35.6% (record)
- Yearly growth in China: 9%
"The data show a structural shift in global automotive supply and demand toward Chinese manufacturers," analysts say. Domestic brands are no longer just local players — they're global contenders.
Top-selling manufacturers and rising Chinese brands
Among the world's top 10 automakers by market share, three Chinese companies made the list: BYD (5.4% market share, 5th), Geely (4.6%, 7th) and Chery (3.7%, 10th). Leading the rankings were Toyota (10.8%), Volkswagen (8.9%), and Hyundai-Kia (7.4%), followed by Stellantis, Renault-Nissan and legacy U.S. OEMs.
Exports and the EV surge
China kept its position as the world's largest car exporter for the third straight year, shipping 8.32 million vehicles in 2025 — a 30% increase year-on-year. Exports of new-energy vehicles (NEVs: battery-electric and hybrid models) surged even faster, jumping 70% to 3.43 million units.
However, average export prices for Chinese cars fell to about $16,000, partly because Tesla’s share of exports out of China decreased. Still, Chinese automakers are rapidly expanding their international footprint: Mexico is now the biggest single destination for Chinese-built cars, and market share is growing quickly across the Middle East, South America and Europe.
Market positioning and product focus
Chinese brands are competing on value, technology and scale. The NEV boom — driven by increasingly competitive battery and powertrain costs, platform optimization, and localized export strategies — is a central part of that push. Expect more competitive ranges, faster charging, and improved interior quality on mid-priced models as these brands chase global market share.
Key takeaways:
- China accounted for over one-third of global sales in 2025.
- Exports and NEV shipments are the primary growth drivers.
- Chinese OEMs are moving up the value chain while expanding in new regions.
For car buyers and industry watchers, 2025 confirmed that Chinese automakers are no longer just low-cost alternatives; they're shaping global market dynamics through rapid EV innovation, aggressive export growth, and stronger branding.
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