China's car sales surpass Japan, ranking first globally

Based on new car sales in 2025, Chinese automakers will for the first time surpass Japan to become the world’s largest car seller, ending Japan’s 20-plus-year reign at the top. China’s auto exports have already taken the lead, establishing its status as a major automotive power. To counter the price competitiveness of Chinese companies, countries will set up barriers through tariffs and new standards. Global tensions are intensifying, and protectionist measures to safeguard domestic industries may strengthen.

According to data from January to November 2025, compiled by The Nikkei and S&P Global Mobility, sales figures include commercial vehicles and cover both domestic and overseas markets, including exports. The country classification is based on the ownership share; in cases where ownership is split equally, the manufacturer’s country of origin is determined by the brand name at the time of sale.

China’s global auto sales are expected to increase by 17% year-over-year, reaching approximately 27 million units. China first took the top spot in auto exports in 2023. Overall sales are also projected to surpass all others by 2025.

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Nikkei and the Financial Times merged in November 2015 to form a single media group. This alliance, formed by two newspapers from Japan and the UK founded in the 19th century, promotes collaboration across a wide range of fields under the banner of “high-quality, top-tier economic journalism.” As part of this effort, articles are exchanged between the two newspapers’ Chinese-language websites.