The surge of Chinese car brands in Europe continues at full throttle, with a record-breaking performance in May that underscores their growing dominance in the region’s automotive market.
According to recent figures published by Automotive News, Chinese car manufacturers have significantly expanded their footprint in Europe. In May 2025, sales soared by an impressive 85 percent compared to the same month last year, reaching a total of 60,215 units. This rapid growth translated into a 5.4 percent market share on the continent—up from just three percent in May 2024 and 4.6 percent in April this year.
This expansion comes against the backdrop of modest overall growth in the European auto market, which rose by 1.3 percent year-on-year to 1,116,095 units sold.
Among the standout performers, BYD (Build Your Dreams) posted the largest absolute sales increase. The Chinese electric vehicle giant sold 13,580 units in May—more than triple its performance from the previous year—driven largely by the success of its Seal U model, which accounted for over 7,000 of those sales.
Meanwhile, Chery led in terms of percentage growth. The company recorded a staggering 900 percent increase in sales, with 7,963 vehicles sold in May, up from just 796 units in the same month last year.
MG Motor, a subsidiary of SAIC, remains the leading Chinese brand in Europe. In May, MG saw a 27 percent increase in sales, totaling 26,855 units. The MG 3 emerged as the most popular model. Over the first five months of 2025, MG sold 126,493 vehicles, followed by BYD with 54,986 units and Chery with 29,539 units.
Chinese manufacturers have also adapted quickly to shifting market dynamics. In response to the European Union’s newly imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, many brands have pivoted toward alternative powertrains. As a result, sales of plug-in hybrid models have surged by 874 percent, while full hybrids recorded a dramatic 991 percent increase. Even sales of traditional gasoline-powered cars grew by 20 percent.
The data reflects a broader trend: Chinese automakers are no longer niche players in Europe. With competitive pricing, an expanding model range, and strategic adaptation to regulatory challenges, they are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the global automotive race.
Source: Automotive News