Bei Jing Ri Bao Ke Hu Duan·2026-01-18 00:25Core Insights - In 2025, China's automotive industry achieved record production and sales figures, with 34.53 million vehicles produced and 34.40 million sold, marking year-on-year growth of 10.4% and 9.4% respectively, showcasing resilience and vitality in the sector [1] - The year marked a significant shift in the market, with new energy vehicles (NEVs) surpassing 50% of domestic new car sales, indicating their transition from niche products to mainstream market leaders [2][3] - The automotive export volume exceeded 7 million units, with NEV exports reaching 2.615 million units, reflecting a robust growth trajectory and the establishment of overseas markets as new growth drivers [2][11] New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) as Market Leaders - NEVs accounted for 50.8% of domestic new car sales in 2025, with production and sales reaching 16.626 million and 16.49 million units respectively, representing year-on-year growth of 29% and 28.2% [3] - The competitive landscape has shifted, with domestic brands capturing nearly 70% of the passenger car market share, marking a significant reversal against joint venture brands [3][4] Technological and Policy Support - The growth of NEVs is attributed to supportive policies, technological advancements, and a well-structured supply chain, with over 11.5 million vehicles replaced under the trade-in policy, contributing to a sales boost of over 1.6 trillion yuan [5] - Innovations in technology have led to improved vehicle performance, with average electric vehicle ranges reaching around 500 kilometers and significant reductions in battery costs and charging times [6] Smart Driving Developments - The approval of the first L3-level conditional autonomous driving vehicles in December 2025 marks a pivotal moment in China's autonomous driving sector, transitioning from technology validation to mass production [7][9] - The penetration rate of vehicles equipped with L2-level driving assistance features reached 64% in the first three quarters of 2025, driven by decreasing costs and increased availability in lower-priced models [9] Global Expansion and Localization - China's automotive exports reached 7.098 million units in 2025, with a year-on-year increase of 21.1%, highlighting the importance of overseas markets for growth [11] - Localization efforts are intensifying, with over 20 Chinese automotive brands establishing manufacturing facilities in Thailand and Brazil, enhancing local production capabilities and supply chain integration [12] Market Competition Restructuring - The introduction of compliance guidelines aims to curb price wars and establish a more orderly competitive environment, shifting focus from price competition to quality and service [13][15] - The automotive industry is transitioning from a phase of scale expansion to one of quality enhancement, necessitating a comprehensive approach to governance and market regulation [15][16]