KATHMANDU: China took a record 35.6 percent share of the global automotive market in 2025, its highest level so far, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).
Global vehicle sales reached 96.47 million units, up 5 percent year-on-year. China sold 34.35 million vehicles, posting a 9 percent annual growth and remaining the world’s largest auto market.
The United States recorded sales of 16.72 million units (up 1%), followed by India with 5.58 million units (up 7%), Japan with 4.56 million units (up 3%), and Germany with 3.16 million units (up 1%). Growth remained uneven across other regions, with declines reported in Russia and slower momentum in Mexico.
China’s global market share strengthened in the second half of the year. It held around 36 percent share in the first half, with sales of 15.65 million units, up 11 percent year-on-year. The share peaked at 40 percent in November and 37 percent in December, resulting in a 35.6 percent full-year average.
China’s global share has risen steadily in recent years. It stood at around 30 percent between 2016 and 2018, fell to 29 percent in 2019, then recovered to 32 percent in 2020-21. The share increased further to 33.5 percent in 2022, 33.8 percent in 2023, and 34.2 percent in 2024.
Chinese automakers also strengthened their global position. BYD ranked fifth, Geely seventh, and Chery tenth among the world’s top 10 automakers in 2025.
On the export side, China shipped 8.32 million vehicles, up 30 percent year-on-year, remaining the world’s largest vehicle exporter for the third straight year. New energy vehicle exports rose sharply to 3.43 million units, marking a 70 percent increase.
The average export price declined to USD 16,000, mainly due to a lower share of Tesla exports. Mexico remained the largest export destination, while Chinese brands expanded further across the Middle East, Central and South America, and Europe.
