The Tesla Model Y remains the best-selling car in China in the first half of 2026
- In a Chinese passenger car (PC) market that grew by 6.4% in 2025, to 24,065,181 units compared to 22,607,856 units in 2024, the locally manufactured Tesla Model Y (in Shanghai) narrowly managed to maintain its top sales position in 2025 despite a steady decline over the past two years, with 539,000 units sold compared to 557,000 in 2024 and 647,000 in 2023. The Tesla Model Y nevertheless remains the best-selling car in China in the first half of 2026, with 299,538 units sold during this period.
- In 2025, this all-electric D-segment SUV narrowly outsells three small all-electric A and B-segment models: the BYD Seagull (B-segment), which sold 530,000 units in 2025 compared to 479,000 in 2024, and the Geely Xingyuan (segment B), which sold 479,000 units in 2025 compared to 53,000 in 2024, and the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV (A segment) which sold 441,000 units in 2025 compared to 225,000 in 2024.
- The presence of these three small models in the Top 4 reveals a shift in the purchasing habits of Chinese customers, who are accustomed to buying larger models in the C and D segments. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that the four best-selling cars in China in 2025 are all-electric models. This observation should be considered in light of the fact that BEVs are projected to represent 28% of the Chinese market in 2025.
- Chinese carmakers dominate the Top 15, with BYD placing six models in the top 15 and other Chinese carmakers five each, for a total of eleven models. Foreign carmakers have only four (two Teslas, one Nissan, and one Volkswagen). This observation should be considered in light of the fact that Chinese carmakers are projected to hold 70% of the Chinese market by 2025.