Global Light Vehicle Sales Rise 3.6% in 2025; China Retains Top Spot

According to GlobalData, global light vehicle sales (including passenger cars and light commercial vehicles) reached 91,935,010 units in 2025, up 3.6% year-over-year. China remained the world's largest market with sales of 26,887,094 units, a 5.6% increase from the previous year. The United States ranked second with 16,325,284 units sold, up 2.5%. Sales in Japan, South Korea, and Canada stood at 4.528 million, 1.655 million, and 1.868 million units respectively, representing year-over-year growth of 3.3%, 3.5%, and 3.2%. Growth in Western and Eastern Europe slowed significantly, with modest increases of 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. South America delivered standout performance, with sales reaching 3.124 million units—a robust 8.8% year-over-year increase, the highest among all major global regions. Russia’s specific ranking for 2025 will be announced at the ForAuto 2026 forum on February 26, 2026.