Chinese brands are taking advantage of the European market increase in 2025
- The European automotive market at the end of September 2025 (30 countries = EU + UK + Switzerland + Norway) is showing signs of recovery, after a first half that ended with a 1% decline compared to the first half of 2024. At the end of September, the European market recorded a slight increase of 1.5% compared to the first nine months of 2024 (+146,500 sales).
- It should be noted, however, that this positive growth is solely attributable to the month of September (+10.7%), due to strong seasonal demand in the UK, as growth at the end of August did not exceed 0.3%. This growth could exceed 3% by the end of the year if the pace observed in September 2025 continues throughout the year. The most impressive phenomenon in September 2025 is the doubling of sales of Chinese brand cars, which went from 67,000 units in September 2024 to nearly 130,000 units in September 2025 (representing 10% of the European market including Volvo, Lotus and Smart, subsidiaries of the Chinese group Geely).
- In total, nearly 790,000 Chinese-branded cars were sold in Europe during the first nine months of 2025 (+214,500 sales compared to the first nine months of 2024, versus +68,000 sales for non-Chinese brands), representing a 5.4% market share year-to-date. It can therefore be said that Chinese brands boosted the European market in 2025.
- As a result, sales of 100% electric cars made a significant jump in September 2025 (+22%), driven by Chinese brands, with a market share of 21% for the month and 18% over the 9 months.