70% of Chinese Automakers Missed 2025 Sales Targets Amid Market Volatility

[Market Watch] Only seven Chinese automakers achieved their 2025 sales targets, as industry forecasts repeatedly fell short.

Key Data: Only 7 out of 20 automakers met targets amid total production and sales of 34 million vehicles

In 2025, China’s automotive production and sales surpassed 34 million units, with passenger vehicle sales approaching 30 million. Domestic brands captured 65% of the market share. However, among the 20 major automakers tracked, only seven—including BYD, SAIC, and Geely—met their annual sales targets, while the remaining 13 failed to deliver on their commitments.

Strategic Foundation: Forecast Failures Stem from Overlapping Variables

Automakers typically plan their strategies 3–5 years in advance. Yet accelerated technological iteration, geopolitical volatility, intensifying market competition, and heightened sensitivity to public sentiment have made accurate forecasting nearly impossible. Although product cycles have shortened to 18 months or even 12 months, they still struggle to keep pace with drastic external shifts.

Industry Impact: Rapid Adjustment Capability Becomes Critical for Survival

In the recurring cycle of 'setting goals—missing targets—readjusting,' a company’s agility in responding to change has become a more crucial competitive advantage than strategic planning itself.