Chinese automakers surpassed their Japanese counterparts in global vehicle sales in 2025, marking a significant industry milestone. Japanese automakers are estimated to have sold 25 million units for the year.
Global sales of Chinese vehicles are projected to reach approximately 27 million units. This figure represents a 17% rise, according to data compiled by Nikkei.
The surge stems largely from the strong domestic market in China. The country heavily promoted electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
This development reflects a major reordering of the automotive landscape. It underscores the competitive strength of Chinese EV companies, such as Li Auto, on the world stage.