China’s passenger car market is undergoing a fundamental shift toward electric-powered vehicles, with new energy vehicles (comprising battery and hybrid-powered cars) making up 65.1% of new passenger vehicle purchases this July—a rise from 54% during the same month last year, based on figures from the China Passenger Car Association released Tuesday.
Industry data from Autohome shows that while overall passenger car sales tumbled by 20.3% and year-to-date sales for new energy vehicles dropped by 12.5%, specific brands have successfully carved out dominant positions among Chinese consumers through aggressive pricing and popular new models.
Geely Claims Top Spot with Affordable Electric Hatchback
Geely has captured the number one position in consumer preference across the Chinese automotive landscape. Among the 10 most popular car models sold in China in the six months through July, Geely’s Xingyuan electric hatchback emerged as the bestseller with nearly 197,500 units sold, according to industry data from Autohome. Priced at just under 100,000 yuan ($14,820), the model has propelled the Hangzhou-based company to become a close rival to BYD, ranking second by overall China sales volume in 2025.
Unlike competitors that rely exclusively on battery-powered technology, Geely continues to maintain a diverse portfolio that includes gasoline-powered cars alongside electric vehicles sold under its premium brand, Zeekr.
Tesla Model Y Outpaces Domestic Rivals in Premium Segment
The company’s Model Y ranked second in popularity with more than 180,000 electric SUVs sold during the tracked period, according to Autohome data. Carrying a steeper price tag of 263,500 yuan to 313,500 yuan, the vehicle outperformed domestic offerings such as Li Auto’s i6 SUV and Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan.
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BYD Faces Volume Pressures Despite Multiple Top-Ten Entries
Three of the 10 best-selling cars from February through July were produced by BYD, according to Autohome data. However, the brand’s most popular offering—the modestly priced Yuan UP SUV—managed only fifth place with nearly 97,700 units sold. BYD’s off-road brand secured the sixth spot with its Ti 7, which was subsequently followed by the Sealion 06 SUV.
The Chinese car giant reported that its passenger car sales dropped by more than 10% in the first half of the year, signaling intense margin and volume competition across entry-level and mid-tier segments.
Volkswagen Defends Foreign Automaker Territory
Traditional international brands face mounting pressure in China, with Volkswagen standing as the sole foreign automaker to secure a position in the top 10 models list. The German automaker’s compact gasoline-powered Lavida secured ninth place in the Autohome rankings, positioned between Leapmotor’s A10 electric SUV and Geely’s gasoline-powered Boyue L SUV.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which car brand ranks first in China’s current market?
Geely ranks first in popularity, driven by the strong sales of its Xingyuan electric hatchback, which sold nearly 197,500 units in the six months through July, according to Autohome data.
How much does the bestselling Geely Xingyuan cost?
The Geely Xingyuan electric hatchback is priced at just under 100,000 yuan, equivalent to roughly $14,820.
What market share do new energy vehicles hold in China?
New energy vehicles (comprising battery and hybrid-powered cars) made up 65.1% of new passenger vehicle purchases this July—a rise from 54% during the same month last year, based on figures from the China Passenger Car Association.
Are traditional foreign automakers still competitive in China?
Traditional foreign automakers have largely lost ground to domestic brands, with Volkswagen standing as the only foreign company to place a model in the top 10 sales rankings through its Lavida compact sedan.