Having made significant inroads into Europe over the past couple of years, China can no longer be ignored. Here’s a detailed look (as of mid-2025) at three of the biggest‐selling car makers in China: who they are, how many cars they sell (recent monthly or near-monthly figures), their main models, and whether those cars are sold outside China. And as you can guess, it’s kind of a who’s who of Chinese carmakers. And, sorry, no prizes for guessing which three come out on top.
Based on retail sales rankings for passenger vehicles (sedans, SUVs, MPVs) in China, the three biggest sellers in recent months are BYD, including its new energy vehicles division which has sold some 341,000 units in July 2025 including export models. BYD’s biggest-selling models included key models such as the Song family of SUVs, the Seal, the Seagull, Atto 3, Dolphin and Sealion 7.
Coming in at No 2 on the China hit parade is the Geely Automotive Group which includes sub-brands. In April 2025, they sold over 210,000 units, mainly the Galaxy series as well as the Xingyue, Boyue, Geometry and its Zeekr premium brand too.
Taking third place on the podium is the Chery/FAW Volkswagen joint venture which sold over 110,000 units in April this year. Top selling models included the Tiggo 5X, Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8, plus its Detour sub-brand. FAW-Volkswagen’s models are more conventional sedans and SUVs under joint venture with Volkswagen including Lavida and others. SAIC-Volkswagen likewise has models from VW / Audi / Skoda models targeted at the Chinese market.
Foreign customers in some Europe, Australia, Latin America and Southeast Asia will know many of these makes like BYD’s Atto 3 and Seal as well as certain Denza and Yangwang models. Meanwhile Geely exports the likes of its Zeekr premium models in addition to Volvo cars which the company has a controlling interest in.
Chery is one of the top exporters in China. For example, Chery exported hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the first half of 2025, brands like Omoda, and Jaecoo.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Many export models often have to be modified to suit local road, emissions and safety requirements which can slow down entry into foreign markets.