The top 20 global carmakers in 2023 according to the Chinese ranking: First Chinese (SAIC) in 5th position
- If we include the production volume of non-Chinese cars produced by major Chinese assemblers (SAIC, FAW, Dongfeng, GAC, BAIC, Changan), through joint venture companies, the ranking of the top 20 global carmakers is very different from the classification usually used by Western carmakers.
- Chinese carmakers are therefore logically more numerous in this classification: eight carmakers compared to six for the “Western” classification. In addition, Chinese carmakers have a better global ranking. SAIC is in 5th position, FAW in 8th position, BYD in 10th position, Geely in 12th position, GAC in 14th position, Changan in 15th position, Dongfeng in 16th position, Chery in 18th position. This is somewhat logical as China today represents a third of global automobile production.
- But the major assemblers saw their positions gradually crumble due to the drop in the production volume of non-Chinese cars in China (a consequence of their declining sales), and get closer to independent Chinese carmakers who have made significant progress.
- Thus, the production volume of SAIC (which assembles GM and most of Volkswagens vehicles) does not exceed 4.9 million vehicles in 2023 (including 1.3 million MG-Roewe) while BYD exceeded 3 million. units last year. In 2021, SAIC produced 5.3 million vehicles (including 1.1 million MG-Roewe) while BYD did not exceed 750 000 units. This antagonistic movement between large assemblers and independents is expected to continue over the coming years, with the decline in sales of non-Chinese cars brands in China expected to continue.