China’s automotive industry is, by far, the largest in the world. In 2022, China produced nearly 24 million passenger vehicle units, about 3.6 times more than the next largest producer, Japan, with 6.5 million units.
What is more astonishing is that China’s total passenger vehicle production capacity is double that number at 43 million vehicles a year, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data.
As it stands, China is also the world’s largest exporter of cars. In 2022, China exported more than 3 million vehicles (11.5% of total production), making it the second largest auto exporter in the world after Japan. Out of the 3 million+ exports, 2.5 million were passenger vehicles.
At the end of the first quarter of 2023, China surpassed Japan as the largest exporter of vehicles in the world.
Origin of the Chinese Auto Industry
The origin of the Chinese auto industry can be traced back to the mid-19th century when Changan Automobile was established in 1862 in Shanghai as a defense manufacturing factory.
However, it was not until the 1950s that the Chinese automotive industry made any notable progress. Auto imports and technology transfers from the Soviet Union played a key role in the initial growth of domestic auto production in the country. The first-ever Chinese car produced entirely domestically was the Dongfeng CA71 in 1958.
Through the 1980s and 1990s, China gained massive manufacturing capabilities in the passenger vehicle segment on the back of multiple foreign joint ventures and favorable government policies.
The industry experienced explosive growth, both in production and exports, after China’s entry into the WTO in 2001. Since then, the industry has been one of the pillars of China’s economic boom.
Below, we have listed top Chinese car brands that are leading the nation’s auto sector. Our ranking criteria are based on the company’s annual revenue, brand popularity, and number of car units sold.
Table of Contents
8. Dongfeng Motor Corporation
Mengshi M-Hero 917 | Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1969
Annual Revenue: RMB 92.6 billion
Dongfeng Motor Corporation, or DFM, is one of China’s four largest state-owned auto manufacturers, alongside SAIC, FAW Group, and Changan Automobile.
The company produces and markets passenger vehicles under multiple brand names (and sub-brands), including Aeolus, Mengshi, Forthing, Voyah, and Dongfeng eπ.
It also manufactures passenger vehicles under JVs with foreign automakers such as Nissan, Honda, and Peugeot. In 2021, Dongfeng Motor sold 3.2 million vehicles, about 79 percent of which were foreign-branded cars built under JVs.
In 2023, Dongfeng sold 671,702 vehicles, out of which 231,000 units were exported.
The company has made a few notable foreign investments in the past. In 2012, Dongfeng acquired a Swedish engineering firm called T Engineering AB to establish its first R&D facility outside China.
Then, in 2014, it acquired a 14.1% stake in French PSA Group for 800 million euros (equivalent to 6.691 billion RMB). Five years later, in 2019, after PSA Group merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to create Stellantis, Dongfeng ended with a 9.14% stake in the newly founded entity.
However, since 2021, Dongfeng has been reducing its stake in Stellantis and in the process, generated more than 18.5 billion RMB in cash.
Stellantis is the world’s fourth largest automaker after Toyota, Volkswagen and Hyundai Motors.
7. FAW Group
Hongqi L5 | Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1953
Total Sales: 732,328
FAW Group, or First Automobile Works, is the second-largest Chinese state-owned auto manufacturer based in Changchun, Jilin province. Founded in 1953, it is also the second-oldest automobile company in the country after Changan Automobile.
During its initial years, FAW exclusively produced commercial trucks that were based on Soviet designs. However, by 1958, the company shifted its focus towards passenger vehicles, more specifically luxury sedans, to cater to the needs of political elites.
The very first passenger car produced by FAW was the Dongfeng CA71 sedan, which, by the way, is also the first-ever passenger vehicle produced in China.
The company also introduced China’s first production car – the Hongqi CA72, in 1958. Hongqi, which means ‘red flag’ is the oldest Chinese passenger car brand.
FAW continues to produce and market luxury passenger cars under the Hongqui brand. The other two passenger car brands that operate under FAW are Bestune and Oley. Apart from passenger vehicles, the company manufactures buses, trucks, and auto parts.
FAW Group is one of China’s leading automakers by total sales. In 2023, the company sold around 732,000 vehicles (excluding JVs), out of which about 490,000 were passenger cars. The Chinese automaker has JVs with Toyota, Volkswagen, and GM.
Fact: There is a common misconception that Hongqi CA72 was the first Chinese car ever manufactured. However, the CA72 was the first production car that replaced the Dongfeng CA71.
6. Great Wall Motors
Haval Cool Dog SUV | Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1984
Total Sales: 1.23 million (2023)
Revenue: 137 billion RMB (2022)
Great Wall Motor (GWM) is China’s largest SUV manufacturer and one of the leading automobile companies in the country by sales. Apart from SUVs, the company is also known for its range of crossovers and pickup trucks.
Prior to 2010, GWM marketed all its cars under one single brand. However, in 2013, the company expanded its brand portfolio for its different products. Today, it has two core brands – Haval and GWM, and three specialty brands – WEY, Ora (EV), and Tank (luxury SUVs).
Like most other Chinese auto manufacturers, GWM is also trying to exploit the rising electric vehicle market with its EV-focused brand Ora (stands for ‘Open, reliable and alternative’) and Haval. The automaker sold nearly 124,000 EVs in 2022.
In 2019, Great Wall Motors also entered into a JV ( Spotlight Automotive) with BMW to manufacture electric MINI (British brand) cars in China.
GWM has always been an export-focused company. It was one of the first Chinese automakers to sell its products internationally and also one of the first to enter the European Union. Since 2021, Australia has been the biggest export market for GWM.
In 2023, GWM exported roughly 316,000 vehicles to international markets, making it the fifth-largest exporter among Chinese automakers. As of today, the company has over 700 international sales channels and exports its cars to 700 countries.
Fact: Great Wall Motor appeared in the popular Dakar Rally between 2010 and 2015 with modified Haval 3 and Haval 8 models. The team achieved its best position in the 2012 and 2013 events when it finished 6th.
5. Changan Automobile
Changan’s Avatr 12 at IAA 2023 in Munich, Germany | Image Courtesy: Alexander Migl
Founded In: 1862
Total Sales: 2.09 million (2023)
Revenue: 84.5 billion RMB (2021)
Chang’an Automobile is the oldest and one of the largest auto manufacturers in China. It produces a wide variety of passenger vehicles, including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and commercial vehicles such as micro vans and light trucks.
As a state-owned company, Chang’an not only has a rich history but is also an increasingly popular car brand, at least domestically. It is a Fortune 500 company.
The origin of Chang’an can be traced back to 1862 during the period of the Tongzhi Restoration. Named after the Tongzhi Emperor (ninth emperor of the Qing Dynasty), the Tongzhi Restoration was an attempt to industrialize and modernize the Chinese economy.
Chang’an was initially founded as ‘Shanghai Foreign Gun Bureau,’ which was responsible for importing foreign weapons. By the 1880s, the company started local weapons production and became one of the most important arms suppliers of the late Qing Dynasty.
It was not until 1959 that the company produced its first vehicle – Changjiang Type 46, a Chinese copy of the iconic Willys Jeep.
Today, Chang’an produces passenger cars under four major brands, namely, Changan, Oshan, Deepal, and Avatar. It also manufactures cars under JVs with Ford and Mazda for the domestic market.
In 2020, the company sold just over 1.3 million cars, which jumped to 1.8 million units in 2022 and 2.09 million units in 2023. Unsurprisingly, much of this sales growth in the last couple of years came from Changan’s EV brands – Deepal and Avatr.
Avatr is a premium EV brand that manufactures and markets fully electric sedans and SUVs for China’s domestic market.
What makes Avatr an interesting EV brand that it is co-developed by Changan with CATL (world’s largest EV battery manufacturer), and Huawei technologies.
By bringing their expertise in different areas of EV technology, these three companies have created a common platform called CHN to develop what they describe as a ‘new generation of smart electric vehicles.’
4. Chery
Chery Holdings Group sold 212,076 cars in November, achieving a year-on-year sales growth of 111%, breaking the 200,000 mark for the second consecutive time this year and setting a new monthly sales record.#Chery pic.twitter.com/39WSGfONj5
— Chery International (@CheryAutoCo) December 5, 2023
Founded in 1997
Total Sales: 1.8 million (2023)
Chery Automobile is a state-owned company and one of the largest automakers in China. Founded in 1997, Chery is quite a young company compared to other largest government owned auto companies in the country.
Chery Auto produces passenger cars, sedans, and SUVs under the Chery brand and commercial vehicles under the Karry brand. The company also manufactures passenger cars under a few smaller brands, such as Exeed, Jetour, Chery NEV, and iCar.
Historically, Chery has been one of the top Chinese auto exporters. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), in 2022, the annual export of Chinese vehicles stood at 3.1 million, out of which Chery Group exported 452,000 units.
In other words, Chery manufactured one out of every seven vehicles exported out of China in 2022. The company has more than 1,500 sales stores in 80+ countries.
Like most other Chinese auto companies, Chery focuses on independent research and innovation. It has four R&D centers in China, the United States, Germany, and Brazil.
Chery is a member of Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), an alliance of automotive companies in China that co-develop smart cars with technology company Huawei.
Under this collaboration, Chery has developed the Luxeed S7 sedan featuring Huawei’s ADS 2.0 self-driving system, including self-parking.
3. SAIC Motor
Urban SUV, the electric way.#MG #MGUK #MGMotor #MGMotorUK #MGZSEV #SUV #EV #ElectricSUV pic.twitter.com/FdCaM8sViH
— MG Motor UK (@MGmotor) January 8, 2024
Founded In: 1955
Total Sales: 2.8 million+
SAIC Motor, earlier known as Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, is the largest state-owned car manufacturing company in China. In 2023, SAIC sold about 2.8 million vehicles, the second-most in the country after BYD Auto. It is a Fortune 500 company.
Although SAIC was founded in the 1950s, it only attained the status of a large passenger vehicle manufacturer in recent years.
One of the biggest reasons behind its emergence was the joint cooperation with Volkswagen in 1984, which bought major foreign auto technology in China. It signed another major joint venture with General Motors in 1997. Both the JVs are still in operation.
From 2010 to 2022, SAIC sold the highest number of vehicles among the largest Chinese auto companies and was only surpassed by BYD in 2023.
SAIC-owned brands include IM Motors (EV), Rising Auto, Maxus, Roewe, and MG Motors.
Out of all, MG is perhaps the most popular auto brand under SAIC. The origin of the brand can be traced back to the 1920s, when it was established as Morris Garages Limited in Oxford, England. It is mostly known for producing affordable sports cars.
MG offers a wide range of products, including sedans, hatchbacks, and crossover SUVs. It also produces an electric sports car. It is one of the best-selling brands in many countries, including Australia, Mexico, Thailand, and India.
However, in terms of total sales, the brand that leads the company is known as Wuling, a JV between SAIC Motor, General Motors, and Guangxi Auto. Wuling, which produces sedans, SUVs, and minivans largely for the domestic market, accounted for almost half of the total sales of the company in 2023.
2. Geely
Zeekr 001, a luxury EV by Geely | Image Courtesy: Zotyefan/Wikimedia Commons
Founded In: 1986
Total Sales: 2.79 million+
Geely, short for Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, is one of the largest privately owned automakers in China.
Founded in 1986, Geely has created a massive auto empire that involves some of the world’s most popular companies, such as Volvo Cars, Lotus, and Benelli (through a subsidiary). It also has a significant stake in British auto manufacturer Astin Martin.
The group conducts its auto business, foreign and domestic, through a number of separate divisions. Its original business division – Geely Auto, produces compact sedans and SUVs mainly for the domestic market but is also exported abroad.
As it stands, Geely Auto produces and markets passenger vehicles under five brands –
- Geely: The group’s best-selling brand, manufactures conventional/IC cars
- Lynk & Co: Semi-premium brand
- Geometry: Entry-level EV brand
- Zeekr: Luxury EV brand, and
- Galaxy: Premium EV brand
Zeekr, Geely’s luxury EV brand, was founded in 2021 and competes with Chinese EV startups like Nio. Recently, Zeekr has co-developed an all-electric robotaxi with Google’s Waymo, which is undergoing testing.
Geely Group also produces passenger vehicles under brands such as Polestar, Radar (high-end pickup trucks), Jidu Auto, Ji Yue (JV with Baidu), and Smart (JV with Mercedes-Benz). Its operations in Volvo, Lotus, commercial vehicles, and JVs are conducted under separate divisions.
Geely’s acquisition of Volvo Cars in 2010 is now considered one of the most successful large merger deals in recent history. Under Geely, the company has been able to make a turnaround and is now profitable. On the flip side, Geely now has access to Volvo-developed technologies.
In 2022, Geely DHE1.5 surpassed BYD’s Xiaoyun to become the world’s most energy-efficient engine with a Break Thermal Efficiency of 43.32%. It means the engine is converting 43.32% percent of chemical energy to movement.
1. BYD Auto
Inviting luxury for the fiercely untamed.#BYD #BuildYourDreams pic.twitter.com/Y4mEZ09sO6
— BYD Global (@BYDGlobal) February 9, 2024
Founded In: 2003
Total Sales: 3.02 million (2023)
Revenue: $51.4 billion (2022)
BYD is perhaps the most recognized Chinese EV brand in the world. It is not only the largest manufacturer of passenger EVs but also one of the largest producers of battery electric buses and trucks in China.
The company sells passenger battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) globally.
Although BYD Auto was established in 2003, the company didn’t start production of electric vehicles until 2008, when it introduced the F3DM, a plug-in hybrid electric version of its first IC model, BYD F3.
The F3DM was the world’s first mass-produced plug-in electric passenger vehicle. It was replaced by BYD Qin and subsequently BYD Qin Plus, which became one of the best-selling plug-in electric cars in the world.
What is fueling BYD’s growth in the international markets?
In 2023, BYD exported about 242,000 units in 70 countries, compared to just over 55,000 units the previous year.
Due to this massive fourfold surge in demand and better market response, BYD has also entered into shipping. It will build an entire fleet of specialized ships to transport thousands of cars to Europe and other export markets.
What’s more, is that BYD outsold Tesla in quarterly numbers for the first time in the 4th quarter of 2023.
So, what is the reason behind BYD’s dominance in recent years? The answer is advanced technology and competitive pricing.
Over the years, BYD has made several key advancements in EV technology which has allowed it to become a formidable player in the global auto industry.
One such technology is the BYD Dual mode hybrid platform (including Dm-i/DM-p/DMO), which is currently used in its plug-in hybrid electric cars.
The DM-i hybrid technology focuses on making EVs more energy efficient, while DM-p technology prioritizes performance. BYD has a dedicated engine for its PHEVs called ‘Xiaoyun.’ The engine has a high compression ratio of 15:1 and Brake Thermal Efficiency of 43%.
BYD has also developed a lithium iron phosphate battery dubbed Blade Battery, which, according to the Chinese automaker, has better energy density and is safer than conventional LFP batteries.
In 2023, Tesla announced that it would start using BYD Blade batteries with faster charging for its Model Y at the Berlin Gigafactory.
It shows BYD’s technological prowess and its potential, which led the world’s richest investor, Warren Buffet, to invest in the company.
New Chinese Car Brands
Apart from these large conglomerates, there are a few EV-focused auto startups that are taking the Chinese auto industry by storm.
9. Li Auto
Last week, we welcomed @Li_Auto_ to the @Nasdaq family!
Li Auto is an innovator in China’s new energy vehicle market. Li Auto designs, develops, manufactures and sells premium smart electric SUVs.#LiAutoIPO #NasdaqListed pic.twitter.com/teuNI85jgR
— Nasdaq Exchange (@NasdaqExchange) August 3, 2020
Founded in 2015
Total Sales: 376,030+
Li Auto is currently the best-selling Chinese EV startup. Founded in 2015, the company designs and manufactures premium electric vehicles for the domestic market.
In July 2020, after being in operation for five years, Li Auto went public on NASDAQ, raising $1.1 billion in the process.
What makes Li Auto a promising electric vehicle startup is that it manufactures and specializes in range-extended electric vehicles REEV or EREVs.
A range-extended vehicle is a type of electric vehicle that comes with an auxiliary power unit (usually a small IC engine) to recharge the vehicle’s battery while it’s running. Despite having an internal combustion engine, EREVs are considered environmentally friendly since the IC unit is only used to keep the battery charged.
Li Auto EREVs use a standard 1.5L in-line four engine as an extender.
Currently, they have three EV models –
- Li Auto L9 (full-size SUV) powered by a 44.5 kWh battery
- Li Auto L8 (mid-size SUV) powered by a 40.9 kWh battery
- Li Auto L7 (mid-size SUV) powered by a 44.5 kWh battery
The company also revealed its first BEV, called Li Auto Mega, in November 2023. It is a minivan that runs purely on electricity rather than a hybrid drivetrain.
10. Nio
Nio EP9 at display | Image Courtesy: Jengtingchen
Founded in 2014
Total Sales: 160,000+
Nio is another increasingly popular smart EV startup from China. The company was founded in 2014 as NextEV but was rebranded as Nio in 2016.
Although the EV company offers a range of battery-electric sedans and SUVs, you would be surprised to know that Nio’s first-ever product was an electric sports car – Nio EP9 (track-only). The car has a total power output of 1,341 hp and a range of about 427 km.
Apart from manufacturing EVs, Nio also builds battery swapping and supercharging stations for its customers. As of October 2023, Nio has 2,000 power swap stations and 3281 charging stations in China. In Europe, Nio has built 27 Power Swap Stations and 11 Power Charger Stations.
Similar to Tesla’s FSD, Nio boasts its own ADAS software known as Navigate-on-Pilot Plus. NOP+ advanced driver assist software is based on its NT 2.0 platform, which is powered by NIO Adam supercomputer based on four Nvidia Drive Orinsystems-on-a-chip (SoC).
According to Nvidia, the NIO Adam supercomputer has a computing performance of 1000 TOPS.
In July 2023, Nio announced that NOP+ is out of its beta phase and is now live for customers in the Beijing area. Nio is only the second Chinese EV maker to do so after XPeng’s City NPG Advanced Driver Assist System.
11. Leapmotor
Meet the #C10 for a new driving fun, igniting the vitality of new energy. #C10 is not just an option, it’s a lifestyle. Add some green to your drive with the #C10! #Leapmotor pic.twitter.com/26UlljUE02
— Leapmotor (@Leapmotorglobal) January 13, 2024
Founded in 2015
Total Sales: 144,155+
Leapmotor is an electric vehicle manufacturing company based in Hangzhou, China. Founded in 2015, the company is known for its tech-first EV ecosystem and the cost-effectiveness of its products.
Leapmotor leverages its in-house R&D capabilities to develop core EV components, such as traction motors and ECUs, and actively embraces a cooperation-based approach to faster growth.
Leapmotor’s EV technology has even attracted interest from both domestic and foreign automakers. Back in 2020, Leapmotor signed a partnership with state-owned automaker FAW to research and co-develop smart EV-related products.
Then, in 2023, Stellantis, owner of brands such as Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, invested 1.5 billion euros to acquire a 20 percent stake in the company. Both companies will establish an international joint venture to accelerate Leapmotor EV sales globally.
Their hatchback model T03 is one of the cheapest smart electric cars in Europe.
References
- 2022 car production statistics – International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA).
- China exported more than 3 million vehicles in 2022 – S&P Global
- China overtakes Japan as world’s top car exporter – BBC Global
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