Recently, the top five domestic automakers have successively released their annual sales performance. Data shows that their sales have all increased year-on-year, with each company showcasing unique highlights. Among them, Geely Auto stands out as the most representative, with impressive sales growth and target achievement. However, a small number of domestic automakers fell short of their annual sales targets, though their completion rates all exceeded 90%.

In 2025, BYD unsurprisingly continued to play the role of 'superpower.'

Data shows that BYD sold a total of 4,602,436 vehicles in 2025, up 8% year-on-year, successfully achieving its annual target. This remarkable performance secured BYD the titles of China's automotive market sales champion, China's automotive brand sales champion, and global new energy vehicle market sales champion.

Breaking it down, the Wangchao and Ocean networks sold a combined 4,105,211 vehicles, up 2% year-on-year. Among them, the Ocean network sold 2,220,008 vehicles, surpassing the Wangchao network for the first time to become the top-selling segment, thanks to the strong performance of the Seagull, Seal family, Sea Lion family, and Song PLUS models. Fangchengbao sold 234,637 vehicles, up 316.1% year-on-year, becoming BYD's fastest-growing brand segment. Denza sold 157,134 vehicles, with the Denza D9 accounting for 66% of total Denza sales. Yangwang sold 4,785 vehicles for the year.

Although BYD secured its 'three-peat,' it experienced four consecutive months of year-on-year sales declines in the domestic market this year. It is evident that as competition in the automotive market intensifies, BYD's core market is facing growth pressure, with overall growth slower than before. However, it is worth noting that BYD's overseas sales exceeded one million units for the first time, reaching 1,049,601 vehicles, up 145% year-on-year, marking significant progress.

Overall, BYD demonstrated robust (robust) market performance in 2025. In 2026, it aims to consolidate its domestic market share through product updates, accelerated intelligentization (intelligent) upgrades, and other measures. Previously, BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu stated that groundbreaking technology would be unveiled in 2026.

Geely Auto has maintained strong growth momentum throughout the year.

In 2025, Geely sold a total of 3,024,567 vehicles, up 39% year-on-year, setting a new historical record. Meanwhile, it exceeded its annual sales target of 3 million units. Behind this achievement, Geely's new energy sector played a crucial role. This year, its pure electric vehicle sales reached 1.074 million units, up 86% year-on-year, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales reached 614,000 units, up 97% year-on-year.

Breaking down by brand, Geely sold 2,449,939 vehicles for the year, up 47% year-on-year. Among them, the Galaxy brand sold 1,235,807 vehicles, up 150% year-on-year, with several models such as the Xingyuan, Xingjian 7 EM-i, Panda, Galaxy E5, and Galaxy A7 exceeding monthly sales of 10,000 units. Lynk & Co sold 350,459 vehicles, up 23% year-on-year, with new energy models accounting for 65% of total sales, or 227,813 units. The Lynk & Co 900 and Lynk & Co EM-P family continued to gain momentum. Zeekr sold 224,133 vehicles for the year.

In 2026, Geely has set its annual sales target at 3.45 million units, with a new energy sales target of 2.22 million units. Next, Geely will launch over ten new models, including the Galaxy Xingyao 7, Galaxy M7 EM-i, Galaxy V900, and Zeekr 9S, to help achieve its goals.

Changan Automobile, now a new central enterprise, also delivered a noteworthy market performance in 2025.

Data shows that Changan sold a total of 2,913,042 vehicles in 2025, up 9% year-on-year, setting a new sales record in the past nine years. Among them, Changan's new energy vehicle sales reached 1.109 million units, up 51% year-on-year.

Among its three major new energy brands, Changan Qiyuan sold over 411,000 vehicles for the year, up 42.6% year-on-year, with existing models continuing to perform well and new products launching frequently. Shenlan sold over 333,000 vehicles, up 36.6% year-on-year, setting a new historical record. Notably, after recently completing a 6.1 billion yuan Series C funding round, Shenlan became the first to announce its entry into the commercial phase of L3 autonomous driving, marking a leap in brand technology.

Avita sold over 120,000 vehicles for the year, with monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units for ten consecutive months. Additionally, Avita is expected to go public in the second quarter of this year, potentially becoming the first central enterprise new energy automaker listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

It is reported that L3 commercialization will be a key focus for Changan in 2026. The company stated that it expects to conduct road testing pilot applications with Changan Automotive Network Technology in the first quarter. After the formal implementation of relevant national regulations and policies, Changan will begin product approval and market launch for C-end users, further enhancing its market competitiveness.

In 2025, Chery Group achieved strong performance in both overseas and domestic markets.

Data shows that Chery Group sold a total of 2,806,393 vehicles in 2025, up 8% year-on-year, setting a new historical record. Among them, Chery Automobile sold a cumulative 2,631,381 vehicles, up 8% year-on-year.

Breaking down by brand, Chery sold 1,700,940 vehicles for the year, up 6% year-on-year, making it Chery Group's most important sales contributor. Jetour sold 622,590 vehicles, up 10% year-on-year, with the Jetour X70, Jetour Traveler, and Jetour Freer becoming top sellers. Exeed sold 120,369 vehicles. iCAR and Luxeed were the fastest-growing brands, with the former up 47% year-on-year and the latter up 56%.

Meanwhile, Chery Group continued its strong momentum in overseas markets. In 2025, Chery Group's export sales reached 1.344 million units, up 17.4% year-on-year, ranking first among Chinese brand passenger vehicle exports for 23 consecutive years.

For 2026, the company stated that it aims to achieve an annual sales growth rate exceeding industry growth by 10-20 percentage points. This year, Chery Group will launch at least 15 new models, focusing on four key technological directions: hybrid C-DM, extended-range, pure electric, and solid-state batteries. In the first quarter alone, Chery will launch six new models, with the Exeed ES8 debuting with a self-developed solid-state battery. The arrival of new products and technologies will further elevate Chery's market performance.

Although there is a significant gap compared to the top four, Great Wall Motors also delivered a strong market performance throughout the year.

In 2025, Great Wall sold a total of 1,323,672 vehicles, up 7% year-on-year, setting a new annual sales record. Among them, new energy vehicles sold 403,653 units, up 25.44% year-on-year, while overseas sales reached 506,066 units, up 11.68% year-on-year.

Specifically, Haval sold 758,554 vehicles this year, up 7.41% year-on-year, remaining the top sales contributor. WEY sold 101,954 vehicles, up 86.29% year-on-year, with monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units for three consecutive months. Tank sold 232,713 vehicles, with models like the Tank 300 and Tank 500 new energy vehicles continuing to sell well. Ora sold 48,289 vehicles, while Great Wall Pickup sold 181,660 vehicles.

Media reports state that Great Wall has set its 2026 company-level performance sales target at no less than 1.8 million units and profits at no less than 10 billion yuan. This means Great Wall needs to sell at least 450,000 more vehicles this year, requiring growth exceeding 30%. Previously, Haval General Manager Zhao Yongpo announced that a new large six-seat flagship SUV model will be launched this year, featuring the latest technology. Additionally, Great Wall's Chief Engineer of Steer-by-Wire Chassis, Li Fei, hinted at the preheat (pre-launch) of Great Wall's sixth brand on social media. These developments will serve as strong support for Great Wall's sales target.

Summary:

Overall, the top five domestic automakers showcased unique highlights in sales performance in 2025. BYD solidified its leading position with a 'three-peat,' facing domestic market pressure but achieving overseas breakthroughs as new support. Geely achieved high growth through explosive growth in its new energy sector, becoming the year's biggest highlight. Changan and Chery built differentiated advantages through technological breakthroughs and overseas leadership, respectively, while Great Wall Motors laid a foundation for steady growth and set new growth targets.

As 2026 begins, fierce competition in China's automotive market continues. Media reports state that shortly after New Year's Day, over 70 models introduced preferential policies, with 14 automakers sparking the first wave of price wars. Additionally, the purchase tax on new energy vehicles will be halved in 2026. Under such circumstances, the challenge for automakers to capture market share will intensify, and the market landscape is expected to undergo further changes.

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