In 2024, Chinese automakers clearly demonstrated their dominance in the global automotive market. With 79 new models launched—nearly half of the 162 global releases—they have completely taken control of the game.
As the world watches this rise, one thing is certain: China is no longer just the largest automotive market; it has become the undisputed leader. So how can we explain this sudden dominance? Let’s look at the numbers to understand how Chinese automakers have risen to this level.
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BYD: The perfect example of well-oiled domination
If one automaker epitomizes this success, it’s BYD. In 2024, the Chinese brand overtook Tesla to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, with 1.7 million units sold. But BYD hasn’t stopped there. The company launched 14 new models this year, solidifying its position and diversifying its lineup to appeal to an ever-growing audience. Fourteen models represent nearly a third of the 47 new vehicles launched in Europe—a region often seen as the most productive, with its stringent regulations and industry giants. BYD’s example illustrates the aggressive and visionary approach of Chinese automakers: rapid innovation, meeting local and global demand, and massive investment in electric mobility. This strategy has paid off, as BYD sold nearly 4 million cars in 2024 including hybrid vehicles—a record-breaking performance that underscores China’s role as the epicenter of global electrification.
SUVs: The key segment of China’s automotive conquest
SUVs continue to dominate the automotive market, and China is living proof of this trend. Of the 92 SUVs launched worldwide in 2024, 38 were produced by Chinese automakers. This segment, highly favored by local consumers, plays a central role in their expansion strategy. The real strength of Chinese brands lies in their ability to innovate while remaining price-competitive. Companies like Chery, Geely, and Changan offer electric and hybrid SUVs with advanced technologies at prices significantly lower than their Western competitors—all while delivering manufacturing quality that has improved significantly in recent years. This mix of affordability, quality, and performance makes China an unmissable player in the global electric vehicle market.
Innovation as a growth engine
Beyond the impressive numbers, innovation is what drives Chinese automakers to the top. Companies like Nio, XPeng, and Li Auto are pushing boundaries with cutting-edge onboard technologies, autonomous driving systems, and ultra-fast charging solutions. These innovations are not limited to the local market—they are also aimed at an international audience increasingly receptive to Chinese products. This momentum is supported by massive investments in research and development. Chinese automakers are collaborating with tech giants like Nvidia to integrate state-of-the-art technologies into their vehicles while continuously improving their global distribution networks. The result? Competitive models that are capturing markets as diverse as Southeast Asia, Europe, and even North America.
This article explores the unstoppable rise of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, exemplified by brands like BYD, their dominance in the SUV segment, and their innovative capabilities driving their conquest of the global market.
Images: © BYD
