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
| Rank | Brand | 2024 Sales Volume | Core Technologies | Representative Models |
| 1 | BYD | 4.272 million | Blade Battery, DM-i Hybrid System, DiSus Intelligent Chassis | Qin PLUS DM-i, Han EV, Yangwang U7 |
| 2 | Dongfeng Nissan | 2.48 million | e-POWER EV Range Extender, VC-Turbo Engine, Nissan Connect Infotainment | Nissan N7, Dongfeng Aeolus SKY EV01, eπ007, Nano 01 |
| 3 | Geely | 2.176 million | CMA Platform, Thor Hybrid, Satellite Communication | Xingyue L, Zeekr 001 |
| 4 | Chery | 2.60 million | Kunpeng Power, Mars Architecture | Tiggo 8, Luxeed S7 |
| 5 | Changan | 2.68 million | Blue Core Engine, SDA Smart EV Architecture | CS75 PLUS, Deepal S09 |
| 6 | Huawei Series | - | HarmonyOS Cockpit, QianKun ADS Smart Driving | AITO M7, Stelato S800 |
| 7 | Great Wall | 1.23 million | Lemon Hybrid DHT, Hi4 AWD Platform | Haval H6, Tank 500 |
| 8 | Wuling | - | Low-cost Mini EV Platform | Hongguang MINI EV |
| 9 | Xiaomi Auto | Over 100,000 (1st year) | Self-developed Motor, Modena High-Voltage Platform | SU7, YU7 |
| 10 | Li Auto | 192,000 (L6 only) | Range Extender Technology, Smart Family Scenarios | Li L6, Li L9 |
| 11 | Hongqi | - | Luxury Limousine Craftsmanship, Lifetime Warranty | Hongqi 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:
| Brand | Model | Key Features |
| Dongfeng Aeolus | SKY EV01 | Equal pricing for hybrid and EV; smart features, spacious cabin, excellent value. |
| Dongfeng Aeolus | eπ007 | Sporty electric fastback with fast acceleration and stylish design, ideal for young drivers. |
| Dongfeng Nano | Nano 01 | Compact city EV with rich smart features and an affordable price tag. |
| Venucia (JV) | Venucia VX6 | Electric SUV platform with large interior space and stable range; ideal for families or business use. |
| Dongfeng Nissan | Sylphy e-POWER | Electrified driving without charging; perfect transition choice from petrol to electric. |
| Dongfeng Honda | e:NS2 | Intelligent EV with agile handling, combining Honda quality and Dongfeng’s local expertise. |
IV.Top Export-Oriented Models in 2025
| Brand | Bestselling Model | Vehicle Type | Core Strengths | Key Export Markets |
| Dongfeng Fengshen | SKY EV01 | Extended-Range New Energy Vehicle | Competitive price parity with gasoline models, long driving range, advanced features, spacious interior | South America, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia |
| Dongfeng Nano | Nano 01 | Pure Electric Microcar | Ideal for urban commuting, affordable price, fast charging capability, well-suited for female drivers and shared mobility | Latin America, Africa, Thailand |
| Venucia (Dongfeng) | VX6 | Pure Electric SUV | Intelligent five-seat layout, consistent range performance, high comfort level | Saudi Arabia, Chile, Malaysia |
| Dongfeng Nissan | Sylphy e-POWER | Electric Hybrid Vehicle | Electric driving without external charging, designed as a direct replacement for traditional gasoline cars | Mexico, Philippines, South Africa |
| BYD | Song PLUS DM-i | Plug-in Hybrid SUV | Low fuel consumption, strong powertrain, ideal for countries with high fuel prices | Brazil, UAE, Egypt |
| Chery | Tiggo 8 Pro | Gasoline SUV | Spacious seven-seat configuration, excellent value for money, durable and reliable | Iraq, Russia, Kenya |
| Geely | Xingyue L, Boyue L | Gasoline/Hybrid SUV | Mid-to-high-end positioning, rich intelligent features, mature technology | Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Chile |
| Changan | Lumin, CS55 PLUS | Micro Electric/Gasoline SUV | Stylish design, low maintenance cost | Argentina, Thailand, South Africa |
| Wuling | Hongguang MINI EV | Micro Electric Vehicle | Ultra-low cost, compact size, ideal for congested urban environments | Indonesia, Latin America, select African countries |
| Neta Auto | Neta AYA/L | Pure Electric Sedan/SUV | Emerging brand, highly intelligent tech, competitive export pricing | Thailand, Israel, Laos |
Top Recommendation: Dongfeng’s Bestselling Export Models
| Model | Key Features | Target Customer Groups |
| SKY EV01 | Price competitive with gasoline models, spacious interior, suitable for both family and commercial use | Export rental companies, bulk wholesale clients |
| Nano 01 | Compact urban vehicle, fast charging, intelligent connectivity, ideal for electric mobility beginners | Shared mobility platforms, urban car-sharing services, female customers |
| Dongfeng VX6 | Smart SUV with comfortable space and a touch of luxury | Urban taxi companies, middle-class family users |
| Sylphy e-POWER | Electric drive without external charging, extremely low fuel consumption, low maintenance costs | Users reliant on gasoline cars but seeking energy efficiency |
| Nissan N7 | Stylish exterior and interior, comfortable space, fast charging, great value for money | Customers 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
| Model | Price Range | Key Highlights | Remarks |
| Qashqai | $18,200-$25,200 | New CMF-CD platform, 1.3T mild hybrid, ProPILOT L2 driver assistance | Benchmark entry-level joint-venture SUV |
| X-Trail | $25,200-$36,400 | e-POWER hybrid / 1.5T VC-Turbo, 2nd-gen 4×4-i intelligent AWD | Global model with optimized interior space |
| Dongfeng Honda CR-V | $25,200-$35,000 | 1.5T Earth Dreams engine / 2.0L hybrid, Magic Seat design | Best resale value in segment |
| Dongfeng Yipai eπ008 | $28,000-$35,000 | Extended-range / pure electric dual powertrain, 6-seat layout + rear refrigerator | New model |
3. Premium Tech-Oriented Segment (approx. $42,000)
Ideal Use Cases: Advanced technology features, luxury experience, high performance demands
| Model | Price Range | Key Tech Highlights |
| Nissan Ariya | $34,700-$48,600 | e-4ORCE dual motor AWD, 623 km driving range, panoramic AR-HUD |
| Infiniti QX50 | $45,800-$65,300 | VC-Turbo 2.0T variable compression engine, Santorini interior |
| Dongfeng VOYAH FREE | $36,100-$50,000 | Air suspension + AWD, Apollo autonomous driving, extended-range / pure electric versions |
| VOYAH Dreamer | $50,000-$66,700 | Pure 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
| Model | Price Range | Key Tech Highlights |
| Yipai eπ007 | $22,400 – $32,200 | Scissor doors + electric rear spoiler, pure electric/extended range, 620 km driving range, competitor to Xiaomi SU7 |
| Yipai eπ008 | $28,000 – $35,000 | Family-oriented 6-seat SUV + in-car projector, major new model for 2024 |
| Dongfeng Nano 01 | $9,800 – $14,000 | Youth-focused electric microcar, frameless doors + ultra-fast charging, rising star in micro EVs |
| AITO M7 (Seres) | $35,000 – $51,800 | HarmonyOS cockpit + ADS 2.0 intelligent driving system, Dongfeng equity-participated project |
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