Chinese Automakers Outsell Japanese Brands in Europe for the First Time

[Market Landscape] Chinese passenger vehicle sales in Europe surpassed Japanese brands for the first time on a monthly basis.

Key Trend: Chinese Brands Surge Collectively, While Japanese Brands Decline Overall

138,410 units vs. 130,424 units—in May across 31 European countries, combined sales from five Chinese automakers (BYD, SAIC, Geely, Chery, and Leapmotor) surged 65% year-over-year, while total sales from six Japanese automakers (Toyota, Nissan, Honda, etc.) declined 3% year-over-year.

Key Metrics: Top Chinese Automakers Show Explosive Growth

BYD sold 32,380 units in a single month (+136.6%), Chery reached 27,412 units (+244.1%), and Leapmotor skyrocketed by 465.1%; meanwhile, none of the Japanese brands achieved positive growth during the same period.

Strategic Foundation: Widening Gap in Electrification

Japanese automakers, due to their lack of strong electric vehicle lineups, struggle to benefit from Europe’s new energy incentives. In contrast, Chinese automakers are rapidly expanding through established channels such as Volvo, Smart, and Zeekr, creating a structural advantage.