China reaches record 34.4 million vehicles sold in 2025 and leads global market

China ended 2025 with the sale of 34.4 million new vehicles, setting a new historical record in the largest automotive market in the world. Esse volume represents growth of 9.4% compared to the previous year and keeps the country as a global leader for the 17th consecutive year. New energy vehicles, including electric and plug-in hybrids, surpassed 16 million units sold.

The performance reflects the continuity of incentive policies for the sector and the strong domestic demand for electrified models. Marcas nationals accounted for 65% of total sales in the Chinese market. Exports also reached 7.09 million units throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Brasil recorded around 2.54 million car and light commercial vehicle registrations in 2025, resulting in a difference of approximately 14 times in favor of China.

Advancement of new energy vehicles

New energy vehicles (NEVs) consolidated their dominant position in the Chinese market in 2025. Essas units totaled 16.49 million sales, up 28.2% compared to 2024. The share of these models exceeded 50% of total sales for the first time.

Among NEVs, pure electric vehicles totaled 10.62 million units. Plug-in hybrids registered 5.86 million registrations. Essa accelerated transition demonstrates the effectiveness of government targets for reducing emissions.

Main brands in the domestic market

BYD maintained its leadership among automakers in China in 2025, with 3.1 million vehicles registered. Apesar position in the ranking, the company recorded an 11.7% drop in sales compared to the previous year. The performance reflects greater competition in the electrified segment.

Geely occupied second place, with around 2.1 million units and significant growth of 66.4%. The automaker surpassed traditional vehicles such as Volkswagen and Toyota in the local market. Outras Chinese brands also made significant advances.

• Wuling positioned himself in fifth place overall.
• Changan came in sixth.
• Chery reached seventh position.
• Leapmotor registered an increase of 83.9%, with 520 thousand units.
• Xiaomi sold more than 400 thousand vehicles, driven by the SU7 model.

Expanding Chinese exports

Exports of vehicles manufactured in China reached 7.09 million units in 2025. Esse volume reinforces the growing presence of Asian automakers in international markets. Países of América Latina, Europa and Ásia received a large portion of these submissions.

Brands such as Chery, Geely and BYD have expanded their operations outside of Chinese territory. Electric and hybrid models gained space in regions with incentives for sustainable mobility. Price competitiveness contributed to the increase in foreign sales.

Comparison with the Brazilian market

The Brasil registered 2.54 million cars and light commercial vehicles throughout 2025. The Esse result places the country far from the Chinese volume, with a 14-fold difference in total sales. National growth was around 2.1% compared to the previous year.

Factors such as population size and incentive policies explain part of the discrepancy between markets. Na China, demand for electrified vehicles drives overall numbers. No Brasil, the economic recovery influences the automotive sector in a more moderate way.

The advancement of Chinese brands in the Brazilian market also deserves attention. Modelos imported from China gained a significant share of local sales. Essa trend reflects the global expansion strategy of Asian automakers.

Dominance of national brands

Chinese automakers reached a 65% share of domestic sales in 2025. Esse index represents an increase compared to previous years and demonstrates strengthening of the local industry. Volkswagen and Toyota maintained a relevant presence, but lost positions in the ranking.

The preference for vehicles produced in the country contributes to the balance of the automotive trade balance. Investimentos in research and development sustain the growth of these companies. Modelos affordable and advanced technology attract Chinese consumers.

Chinese market structure

The Chinese automotive market maintained production and sales above 30 million units for the third consecutive year in 2025. Essa stability occurs despite monthly variations throughout the period. Dezembro recorded a decline in relation to the previous month, but the annual accumulated figure compensated for the fluctuations.

The concentration in passenger vehicles represents the majority of the total volume. Comerciais Lightweights and heavyweights complete the scenario, although with a smaller share. Expanding charging infrastructure makes it easier for cities to adopt electric models.

Urban regions concentrate the majority of sales. Políticas places where restrictions on conventional vehicles drive the switch to electrified options. Fabricantes adjust portfolios to meet these specific demands.

Outlook for the Chinese automotive sector

Associação Chinesa of Indústria Automobilística (CAAM) released consolidated data for 2025 at the beginning of 2026. The numbers confirm the sustained growth trajectory of the domestic market. Veículos of new energy remains the main driver of total sales.

Projections indicate that the positive pace will continue for the coming years. Aumentos in production capacity follows growing demand. Parcerias international vehicles expand the reach of Chinese automakers.

The sector’s global competitiveness reflects continuous investments in innovation. Modelos batteries with longer autonomy gain prominence among consumers. Essa evolution positions the China as a reference in electric mobility.