China has set an automobile market record after selling the equivalent of one car per second in 2025, according to a report from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAM).
According to the document, China sold a total of 34.4 million vehicles last year, a growth of 9.4% compared to 2024.
This increase was largely driven by “new energy vehicles”, that is to say 100% electric cars, plug-in hybrids and range extender models.
NEVs alone recorded an increase of 28.2%. With 16.5 million units sold, these vehicles accounted for 47.9% of all sales in the country.
In addition to NEV sales, internal stimulus measures, such as trade-in programs and consumer incentives, as well as exports, also showed strong numbers. In 2025, more than 7 million vehicles will be exported worldwide.
Despite this, CAAM estimates that growth in the Chinese automobile market is expected to continue in 2026, albeit at a slower pace. Trade and regulatory tensions in external markets, combined with economic uncertainties and changes in domestic subsidy policies, could result in a much more modest increase than last year.
Photo: Unsplash. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
