China accounted for 35.6% of the global automotive market in 2025, a new record high

In 2025, Chinese automobiles accounted for 35.6% of the world market share. The total global car sales was 96.47 million units, and China sold 34.35 million units, a 9% increase year-on-year, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

More specifically, global car sales grew by 5% in 2025. For comparison, USA sold 16.72 million units (a 1% increase), India 5.58 million units (a 7% increase), Japan 4.56 million units (a 3% increase), and Germany 3.16 million units (a 1% increase). On the other hand, the Russian market is experiencing a significant decline, and growth in Mexico is slowing, while markets in South America, such as Argentina, are performing well.

In the first half of 2025, China’s share of the global automotive market was 36% with 15.65 million units sold, a year-on-year increase of 11%. Then in November alone, the share increased to 40% and 37% in December 2025, reaching 35.6% for the entire year.

Looking back, from 2016 to 2018, China accounted for approximately 30% of the global automotive market. In 2019, this figure decreased to 29%. From 2020 to 2021, the share rebounded to 32%. In 2022, China’s share rose to 33.5%. In 2023, the share remained at 33.8%. In 2024, the share increased to 34.2% of the global automotive market.

Among the top 10 global automakers last year, three Chinese companies were on the list: BYD at 5th, Geely 7th, and Chery 10th.

Furthermore, China exported 8.32 million vehicles in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 30%, maintaining its position as the world’s largest exporter for the third consecutive year. Specifically, exports of new energy vehicles reached 3.43 million units, a 70% increase. The average export price decreased to 16,000 USD mainly due to a decline in Tesla’s export share.

Mexico was the largest destination country, and market share increased in the Middle East, Central and South America, and Europe.

Source: CPCA