Back to Overview

2025 Ranking of Chinese Car Brands by Strength and Recommended Models

Aug 01,2025

Ranking of Chinese Car Brands by Strength and Recommended Models

 

This ranking evaluates Chinese automotive brands based on comprehensive criteria including technological capabilities, market performance, and product line diversity. It highlights major players such as Dongfeng Motor and its affiliated sub-brands, serving as a valuable reference for international vehicle buyers and B2B automotive export partners.

 

I. Top 10 Chinese Car Brands by Overall Strength

Top 10 Chinese Car Brands in 2025: Strength Rankings & Representative Models

RankBrand2024 Sales VolumeCore TechnologiesRepresentative Models
1BYD4.272 millionBlade Battery, DM-i Hybrid System, DiSus Intelligent ChassisQin PLUS DM-i, Han EV, Yangwang U7
2Dongfeng Nissan2.48 millione-POWER EV Range Extender, VC-Turbo Engine, Nissan Connect InfotainmentNissan N7, Dongfeng Aeolus SKY EV01, eπ007, Nano 01
3Geely2.176 millionCMA Platform, Thor Hybrid, Satellite CommunicationXingyue L, Zeekr 001
4Chery2.60 millionKunpeng Power, Mars ArchitectureTiggo 8, Luxeed S7
5Changan2.68 millionBlue Core Engine, SDA Smart EV ArchitectureCS75 PLUS, Deepal S09
6Huawei Series-HarmonyOS Cockpit, QianKun ADS Smart DrivingAITO M7, Stelato S800
7Great Wall1.23 millionLemon Hybrid DHT, Hi4 AWD PlatformHaval H6, Tank 500
8Wuling-Low-cost Mini EV PlatformHongguang MINI EV
9Xiaomi AutoOver 100,000 (1st year)Self-developed Motor, Modena High-Voltage PlatformSU7, YU7
10Li Auto192,000 (L6 only)Range Extender Technology, Smart Family ScenariosLi L6, Li L9
11Hongqi-Luxury Limousine Craftsmanship, Lifetime WarrantyHongqi H9, EH7

II. Key Trends in Chinese Automotive Industry (2025)

1. Technological Breakthroughs

  • Dongfeng Nissan launched the world’s first 14-in-1 intelligent electric drive system, enhancing integration and energy efficiency.
  • BYD continues to lead hybrid innovation, with its DM-i system achieving ultra-low fuel consumption of just 2.95L/100km.
  • Huawei’s ADS 4.0 autonomous driving system reaches Level 3 (L3) capabilities, pushing the boundaries of intelligent mobility.

2. Market Premiumization

  • The Nissan N7 reached over 10,000 units sold in its first month, demonstrating strong consumer demand for high-value EVs.
  • Stelato S800 (Huawei & BAIC) debuted with a premium price tag of over ¥1 million, securing 5,000+ firm orders in its launch month.

3. Global Expansion

  • Dongfeng Motor recorded a 30% year-over-year increase in export volume.
  • Chery doubled its overseas sales, showing 100%+ export growth.
  • BYD’s international sales now account for 15% of its total vehicle deliveries, solidifying its position as a global EV leader.

III.Brand Focus: Dongfeng Motor Corporation

Brand Overview:

Dongfeng Motor Corporation is China’s third-largest automotive group, supervised by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC).

The group encompasses a broad portfolio of both independent and joint venture brands, including:

  • Dongfeng Nissan
  • Dongfeng Honda
  • Dongfeng Fengshen (Aeolus)
  • Dongfeng Nano
  • Dongfeng Venucia

Dongfeng demonstrates strong capabilities in:

  • New energy vehicle (NEV) exports
  • Right-hand drive (RHD) vehicle development
  • Overseas KD (Knock-Down) assembly projects

Recommended Models:

BrandModelKey Features
Dongfeng AeolusSKY EV01Equal pricing for hybrid and EV; smart features, spacious cabin, excellent value.
Dongfeng Aeoluseπ007Sporty electric fastback with fast acceleration and stylish design, ideal for young drivers.
Dongfeng NanoNano 01Compact city EV with rich smart features and an affordable price tag.
Venucia (JV)Venucia VX6Electric SUV platform with large interior space and stable range; ideal for families or business use.
Dongfeng NissanSylphy e-POWERElectrified driving without charging; perfect transition choice from petrol to electric.
Dongfeng Hondae:NS2Intelligent EV with agile handling, combining Honda quality and Dongfeng’s local expertise.

IV.Top Export-Oriented Models in 2025

BrandBestselling ModelVehicle TypeCore StrengthsKey Export Markets
Dongfeng FengshenSKY EV01Extended-Range New Energy VehicleCompetitive price parity with gasoline models, long driving range, advanced features, spacious interiorSouth America, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia
Dongfeng NanoNano 01Pure Electric MicrocarIdeal for urban commuting, affordable price, fast charging capability, well-suited for female drivers and shared mobilityLatin America, Africa, Thailand
Venucia (Dongfeng)VX6Pure Electric SUVIntelligent five-seat layout, consistent range performance, high comfort levelSaudi Arabia, Chile, Malaysia
Dongfeng NissanSylphy e-POWERElectric Hybrid VehicleElectric driving without external charging, designed as a direct replacement for traditional gasoline carsMexico, Philippines, South Africa
BYDSong PLUS DM-iPlug-in Hybrid SUVLow fuel consumption, strong powertrain, ideal for countries with high fuel pricesBrazil, UAE, Egypt
CheryTiggo 8 ProGasoline SUVSpacious seven-seat configuration, excellent value for money, durable and reliableIraq, Russia, Kenya
GeelyXingyue L, Boyue LGasoline/Hybrid SUVMid-to-high-end positioning, rich intelligent features, mature technologyUzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Chile
ChanganLumin, CS55 PLUSMicro Electric/Gasoline SUVStylish design, low maintenance costArgentina, Thailand, South Africa
WulingHongguang MINI EVMicro Electric VehicleUltra-low cost, compact size, ideal for congested urban environmentsIndonesia, Latin America, select African countries
Neta AutoNeta AYA/LPure Electric Sedan/SUVEmerging brand, highly intelligent tech, competitive export pricingThailand, Israel, Laos

Top Recommendation: Dongfeng’s Bestselling Export Models

ModelKey FeaturesTarget Customer Groups
SKY EV01Price competitive with gasoline models, spacious interior, suitable for both family and commercial useExport rental companies, bulk wholesale clients
Nano 01Compact urban vehicle, fast charging, intelligent connectivity, ideal for electric mobility beginnersShared mobility platforms, urban car-sharing services, female customers
Dongfeng VX6Smart SUV with comfortable space and a touch of luxuryUrban taxi companies, middle-class family users
Sylphy e-POWERElectric drive without external charging, extremely low fuel consumption, low maintenance costsUsers reliant on gasoline cars but seeking energy efficiency
Nissan N7Stylish exterior and interior, comfortable space, fast charging, great value for moneyCustomers who prioritize design, performance, technology enthusiasts, quality seekers

V. Recommended Key Models for Different Customer Segments

1. Economical and Practical Segment (approx. $7,000–$21,000)

  • Nissan Sylphy: Over 5 million units sold globally; excellent fuel efficiency with 1.6L engine and 1.2L e-POWER hybrid system.
  • BYD Qin PLUS DM-i: Fuel consumption of 2.95L/100km when battery depleted; combined fuel and electric range exceeding 2000 km.
  • Wuling Hongguang MINI EV: Starting price at ~$5,000; annual sales reaching 260,000 units.
  • Changan CS75 PLUS: Powered by Blue Whale 1.5T engine paired with Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission; annual sales of 218,000 units.
  • Nissan Teana (Altima): A century-old brand with WLTC-rated fuel consumption of 6.41 L/100km; real-world fuel use ranges between 6.8–7.5 L/100km, dropping to about 6 L/100km during highway cruising.

2.Practical Family SUVs (approx. $21,000–$42,000)

Ideal Use Cases: Family commuting, spacious interiors, value-for-money priority

ModelPrice RangeKey HighlightsRemarks
Qashqai$18,200-$25,200New CMF-CD platform, 1.3T mild hybrid, ProPILOT L2 driver assistanceBenchmark entry-level joint-venture SUV
X-Trail$25,200-$36,400e-POWER hybrid / 1.5T VC-Turbo, 2nd-gen 4×4-i intelligent AWDGlobal model with optimized interior space
Dongfeng Honda CR-V$25,200-$35,0001.5T Earth Dreams engine / 2.0L hybrid, Magic Seat designBest resale value in segment
Dongfeng Yipai eπ008$28,000-$35,000Extended-range / pure electric dual powertrain, 6-seat layout + rear refrigeratorNew model

3. Premium Tech-Oriented Segment (approx. $42,000)

Ideal Use Cases: Advanced technology features, luxury experience, high performance demands

ModelPrice RangeKey Tech Highlights
Nissan Ariya$34,700-$48,600e-4ORCE dual motor AWD, 623 km driving range, panoramic AR-HUD
Infiniti QX50$45,800-$65,300VC-Turbo 2.0T variable compression engine, Santorini interior
Dongfeng VOYAH FREE$36,100-$50,000Air suspension + AWD, Apollo autonomous driving, extended-range / pure electric versions
VOYAH Dreamer$50,000-$66,700Pure electric / extended-range MPV, 5G smart cockpit, suited for business and family use

4. Emerging New-Force Innovative Models

Ideal Use Cases: Intelligent features, electrification, disruptive user experiences

ModelPrice RangeKey Tech Highlights
Yipai eπ007$22,400 – $32,200Scissor doors + electric rear spoiler, pure electric/extended range, 620 km driving range, competitor to Xiaomi SU7
Yipai eπ008$28,000 – $35,000Family-oriented 6-seat SUV + in-car projector, major new model for 2024
Dongfeng Nano 01$9,800 – $14,000Youth-focused electric microcar, frameless doors + ultra-fast charging, rising star in micro EVs
AITO M7 (Seres)$35,000 – $51,800HarmonyOS cockpit + ADS 2.0 intelligent driving system, Dongfeng equity-participated project
TAG: