According to the latest data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China's auto production reached 34.531 million units in 2025, with sales at 34.40 million units — both record highs — keeping the country No. 1 globally for a 17th straight year.
Source: CAAM
Passenger vehicles, the mainstay of consumer demand, maintained steady momentum and underpinned overall growth. Commercial vehicles showed a clear recovery, with production and sales both up more than 10% year on year, lifting the annual total back above the 4 million-unit mark.
New-energy vehicles have become the dominant force. In 2025, NEV production and sales broke through the 16 million-unit threshold, taking more than 50% of new-car sales at home. This structural shift suggests China's electrification drive has entered a mature phase.
Exports kept their momentum. Full-year vehicle shipments topped 7 million units, including 2.615 million NEVs, showcasing the competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing in global markets. The improving export mix reflects China's rising position in international supply chains.
Industry experts say the 2025 figures point to profound change. Even as scale advantages hold, the industrial structure continues to improve; electrification leads globally and internationalization is accelerating. Together, these trends are moving China from a big auto market to a strong automotive power — a shift that will shape the global industry.
Source: CAAM
In addition, CAAM issued its 2026 outlook, projecting sales of China-made vehicles to reach 34.75 million units, up 1%.
