2025: Domestic Automakers Lag Behind Global Giants as Exports Highlight Key Gap

In 2025, Chinese automakers still lag significantly behind global giants in sales volume. BYD led the domestic market with total sales of 4.602 million vehicles, yet this figure remains far below Toyota’s 11.323 million units. The key gap lies in overseas markets: BYD exported 1.0496 million vehicles, while Toyota’s overseas sales reached a staggering 9.25 million units. During the same period, China’s total passenger vehicle exports amounted to 5.739 million units, up 19.7% year-on-year. Among the top five Chinese exporters, Chery (1.344 million units), SAIC Motor (1.071 million units), BYD, Changan (637,000 units), and Great Wall Motor (506,000 units) delivered standout performances. Although Chinese automakers hold a technological edge in the new energy vehicle segment and are narrowing the gap in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, their overall global footprint and brand influence still trail international leaders like Toyota and Volkswagen. Industry experts believe that as export volumes continue to grow, Chinese automakers are accelerating into a new phase of global competition.