According to Nikkei China, based on sales figures for the first eleven months of 2025, global sales of Chinese brands may reach about 27 million units by the end of the year. For Japanese automakers, this figure is projected to be less than 25 million cars.
The figures take into account both passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as sales in the domestic market and abroad. Sales of products from equal share joint ventures are attributed to the manufacturer brand.
It is expected that about 70% of the total sales of Chinese companies will be generated from the PRC domestic market.
At the same time, the share of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the passenger car segment in China is already approaching 60%.
BYD and Geely are among the ten largest automakers in the world in terms of sales, while Chery remains one of the leaders in terms of exports.
Overseas shipments of Chinese cars are showing steady growth. In Southeast Asia, where Japanese brands have traditionally dominated for years, sales of Chinese cars in 2025 may reach about half a million units.
In Europe, despite the current tariff barriers, deliveries are expected to increase to about 2.3 million units. Significant growth is also forecast in emerging markets. In Africa, sales may grow by 32% year-on-year to 230,000 vehicles, and in Latin America – by 33% to 540,000 vehicles.
Sales of Japanese car companies, which in 2018 reached almost 30 million units, in 2025, according to analysts’ estimates, will be lower than Chinese ones. Experts record a decline in the performance of individual brands in important markets, including the United States, as well as a gradual reduction in their share in the Chinese market itself.
Sales of Chinese cars in Moldova are also growing rapidly, taking a significant share of the new car market (more than 23% by the end of 2025). Leading the way are models such as the GEELY Atlas Pro, which was the best-selling Chinese SUV, as well as the popular Haval Jolion, Chery (Tiggo), Changan and Jetour, offering crossovers and hybrids at competitive prices, although the build quality of some models may still be inferior to the traditional leaders.
