Chinese carmakers held 8% of the European market in the first quarter of 2026
- Last year, Chinese automakers held 6.0% of the European market (30 countries = EU + UK + Switzerland + Norway) for passenger cars, excluding Volvo, which is a Swedish subsidiary of the Chinese Geely group. Including Volvo, they held 8.5% of the European market.
- Chinese carmakers have been steadily increasing their sales in Europe since 2020, with their models appealing to a growing number of European customers, especially since their prices are often lower than those of their non-Chinese competitors. Their market share in Europe rose from 0.3% in 2020 to 0.7% in 2021, 1.7% in 2022, 2.8% in 2023, 3.1% in 2024, and 6.0% in 2025.
- In 2026, Chinese carmakers further increased their market share in Europe, reaching 7.3% in January, 8.1% in February, and 8.3% in March (excluding Volvo). This trend is expected to continue and accelerate in the coming months. The 10% mark will likely be reached or even surpassed in 2027 or 2028.
- Over the first three months of 2026, this market share reaches 8.0% in Europe (compared to 6.0% in 2025).
- A projection for 2030 suggests that Chinese carmakers could represent between 12% and 15% of the European passenger car market (excluding Volvo), and 11% if light commercial vehicles are included.
- This market share of 11% by 2030 would therefore be twice that recorded in 2025, since Chinese carmakers represented only 5.4% of the European market for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles excluding Volvo last year.