China’s Auto Exports to Europe Surpass 1 Million in 2025, Capturing 7% Market Share

According to the annual report released by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) on April 6, 2025, the market share of Chinese-made vehicles in the EU rose from 5% in 2022 to 7%. In 2025, the EU imported 1,006,188 vehicles from China—a 30.7% year-on-year increase—marking the first time imports surpassed one million units. The import value reached €13.724 billion, solidifying China’s position as the EU’s largest source of automotive imports. During the same period, South Korean and Japanese automakers held market shares of 3% and 4%, respectively—unchanged from the previous year, indicating stagnant growth. This trend has become even more pronounced in 2026: as of February, Hyundai and Kia recorded combined European sales of 143,457 units, down 8.4% year-on-year, primarily due to declining sales of models such as the Ioniq 5, Kona EV, EV3, and EV6. In contrast, BYD’s European sales during the same period surged 162.7% year-on-year to 36,069 units. Additionally, Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing rapid growth, driven predominantly by small, affordable models. As of February 2026, cumulative EV sales in Europe reached 379,604 units, up 14.8% year-on-year. Domestic automakers like Volkswagen and Renault are accelerating their push into the compact EV segment. Volkswagen plans to launch two new small EVs in Europe in the second half of 2026: the ID.Cross compact electric SUV and the all-electric ID.Polo hatchback.