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2026
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03
Chinese Brand Vehicles See Rising Global Market Share, Multiregional Breakthroughs Reshape Industry Landscape
The globalization of China's automobile industry accelerated markedly in 2025, with the overseas market penetration of domestic Chinese auto brands surging across the board. China retained its position as the world's largest vehicle exporter for the third consecutive year. Chinese brands hold dominant positions in Russia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other regions, while doubling their market share in developed markets such as Europe, marking a shift from "product exports" to a new stage of "brand localization".
According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China's total vehicle exports reached 7.098 million units in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 21.1%. Statistics from the General Administration of Customs show that China exported 8.32 million complete vehicles, up 30% year on year. Chinese brand passenger vehicles accounted for over 85% of total exports, and exports of new energy vehicles (NEVs) hit 2.615 million units, doubling year on year to become the core engine driving the growth of overseas market share. Data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) indicates that China's share of the global auto market reached a record high of 35.6%.
Standout Market Share Performance in Core Regional Markets
- Russia: The market share of Chinese brand new cars exceeded 51%, ranking first in the local market and making Chinese automakers the most dominant foreign brand group.
- Europe: Annual sales of Chinese brands reached approximately 810,000 units, surging 99% year on year, with the overall market share rising to 6.1%. In the European new energy vehicle market, Chinese brands held an 11% share, reaching 16% in December alone. SAIC MG, BYD, Chery and other brands achieved large-scale market breakthroughs.
- Southeast Asia: The overall regional market share stood at 12.7%–15%. Thailand delivered a standout performance, with sales of Chinese brands surpassing 134,000 units and market share rising to 22.2%, making Chinese brands the second-largest force after Japanese brands.
- Middle East: Chinese brands held a 15% market share in the United Arab Emirates and a high 41.4% share in Iran. In the high-end SUV segment in Saudi Arabia, their share reached 18.6%, with Chery, BYD, Great Wall Motors and other brands posting year-on-year sales growth of over 120%.
- Latin America, Australia & New Zealand: Mexico overtook Russia to become China's largest vehicle export destination, with annual exports hitting 625,200 units. Chinese brands held a 20.38% market share in Australia, second only to Japanese brands. Market penetration continued to deepen in Brazil, Argentina and other countries through localized manufacturing
Currently, China's auto "going global" strategy has evolved from pure complete vehicle exports to a diversified model of SKD/CKD plant construction, technological cooperation and industrial ecosystem export. The proportion of overseas localized production has risen to 35%. With continuously improving brand recognition and product competitiveness, the global market share of Chinese auto brands is expected to expand further, continuously reshaping the competitive landscape of the global automotive industry.
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