China has published a ranking of the twenty largest automakers by sales in May 2025, which clearly reflects the current dynamics of the Chinese automotive market and shows the leadership of local companies against the backdrop of the decline in the positions of many international brands.
According to statistics, BYD, which will soon enter the domestic market, occupies first place with a clear lead, having sold almost 350 thousand cars in one month. This is 10.5% more than in May 2024, which confirms the stable growth in demand for the brand's products, in particular in the segment of electric vehicles and hybrids, where BYD is the undisputed leader.
Geely cars, which are already sold in our country, are firmly established in second place, demonstrating dynamic growth: their sales in May amounted to almost 190 thousand units, which is 17.44% more than in the same period last year.
Thus, the company continues to actively increase its presence, focusing on both traditional models with internal combustion engines and the electrified segment. Geely maintains a consistently high level of loyalty among Chinese consumers and at the same time increases investments in new generation technologies.
The third place in the ranking is occupied by Chery, which also demonstrates significant growth and continues to compete with the market leaders, consolidating its positions in the budget and mid-price segments. Despite its relative modesty on a global scale, Chery remains one of the most stable brands in the Chinese market, maintaining significant sales volumes thanks to a wide range of models.
The most successful foreign brand, although not in the top three, is Volkswagen. Its joint venture with SAIC - SAIC Volkswagen - managed to sell 87 thousand cars in China in May, which allowed it to take fourth place. This indicates a certain slowdown in demand for the brand's traditional models against the backdrop of the rapid development of the electric vehicle sector, where domestic brands are currently setting the tone. At the same time, another Volkswagen joint venture - FAW Volkswagen - with an indicator of 73,001 cars sold closes the top five, also confirming the trend of decreasing market share of the German manufacturer.
The top 10 of the most successful automakers in May 2025 also includes both Sino-Japanese joint ventures of Toyota - FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota. Both structures demonstrate a stable level of sales, but are inferior to the market leaders, since growth in China is currently focused on electrified models, where Toyota, despite the presence of hybrids, is not yet a dominant player.
The TOP-10 also includes the Chinese brands Changan, Haval (also represented in our country) and Wuling, which continue to maintain high results thanks to the active modernization of the model range, a wide distribution network and a focus on domestic demand.