Domestic Brands Accelerate Rise: Six Automakers Surpass Million Sales in First Half

“Judging from the released operational data, the automotive market maintained strong momentum in the first half of the year, with multiple economic indicators achieving double-digit year-on-year growth. This has been the most stable performance in recent years for the first half,” said Fu Bingfeng, Executive Vice President and Secretary-General of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), at the 2025 China Auto Forum. “This is truly hard-won.”

CAAM data shows that from January to June 2025, China’s automobile production and sales reached 15.621 million and 15.653 million units, respectively, up 12.5% and 11.4% year-on-year. This marks the first time in China’s automotive history that both production and sales exceeded 15 million units in the same period. Notably, new energy vehicle (NEV) production and sales hit 6.968 million and 6.937 million units, surging 41.4% and 40.3% YoY.

Against the backdrop of overall industry growth and sustained market demand, major automakers have recently disclosed their H1 2025 sales figures. The results reveal impressive performances across the board.

In the fiercely competitive market of H1 2025, leading automakers stood out, with six major groups—BYD, SAIC Motor, FAW Group, Geely Auto, Changan Auto, and Chery Auto—collectively entering the “million-unit club.”

The competitive landscape among new energy vehicle (NEV) startups also shifted. In H1 2025, Leapmotor delivered 221,700 units, securing the top spot among NEV startups. Li Auto and Xpeng followed closely with 203,800 and 197,200 units, respectively.

Regarding the market outlook for the second half of the year, Huachuang Securities noted: “While July and August traditionally mark a seasonal slowdown, we expect robust sales to continue, supported by ‘anti-involution’ efforts and recent inventory adjustments, which have reduced the risk of price wars.”

Strong H1 Performances from Leading Automakers

The first half of 2025 saw intense competition in China’s auto market, with BYD, SAIC, FAW, Geely, and Chery each surpassing one million units in sales. BYD and SAIC even exceeded two million units.

BYD sold 2.146 million vehicles in H1, up 33.04% YoY.

SAIC Motor reported wholesale sales of 2.053 million units (+12.4% YoY), marking six consecutive months of growth. SAIC attributed this to reforms and innovation, with its proprietary brands (1.304 million units, +21.1% YoY), NEVs (646,000 units, +40.2% YoY), and overseas sales (494,000 units, +1.3% YoY) driving growth.

Chery Auto achieved record H1 sales of 1.26 million units (+14.5% YoY), reaching one million units in just five months. Its global user base surpassed 16.98 million by June.

Geely Holding Group sold 1.93 million units (+30% YoY), including 1.001 million NEVs (+73% YoY), with NEV penetration hitting 52%. Geely Auto (HKEX: 0175) alone sold 1.409 million units (+47% YoY), prompting an upward revision of its annual target to 3 million units.

NEVs Maintain Rapid Growth

NEVs continued their upward trajectory in H1 2025, with production and sales nearing 7 million units (+41.4% and +40.3% YoY). Key highlights:

SAIC’s NEV sales rose 40.2% to 646,000 units.

Chery’s NEV sales surged 98.6% to 359,000 units, driven by models like the Fengyun A9L, T8, and Sterra ET.

Geely’s NEV sales exceeded one million units, with Volvo Cars contributing 155,000 NEVs (44% penetration).

Among startups, Leapmotor (+156% YoY), Li Auto, and Xpeng (exceeding 2024 full-year sales) led the pack, while NIO delivered 114,000 units (+30.57% YoY).

Fu Bingfeng projected full-year NEV sales to hit 16 million units, surpassing 50% market share, and emphasized China’s global leadership in the EV transition.

Easing of “Involution” Competition

Fu noted progress in curbing cutthroat competition, with automakers prioritizing supply chain stability and supplier interests. Cui Dongshu of CPCA highlighted that industry profit margins remained low at 4.3%, but price wars have moderated. In June 2025, NEV promotions averaged 10.2%, while ICE vehicle discounts held at 23.3%.

Automakers are now focusing on strategic reforms. For instance, SAIC consolidated brands like Roewe, MG, and Rising Auto into a unified “Passenger Vehicle Division,” slashing R&D cycles by 30% and boosting parts commonality to 75%. Chery’s Yin Tongyue called for greater emphasis on brand-building and innovation over price battles.

NOTE:

Original article link: “https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1838019002173289185&wfr=spider&for=pc”.
Disclaimer: The above content is reposted from other media by this website for the purpose of conveying additional information and does not represent the views of this website. If there is any unintentional infringement of copyright, please contact us, and this website will take active measures such as removal or blocking.