Jing Ji Ri Bao·2026-01-20 19:59Core Insights - In 2025, China's automotive industry demonstrated remarkable resilience and vitality, achieving record production and sales figures of 34.53 million and 34.40 million vehicles, respectively, marking year-on-year growth of 10.4% and 9.4% [1] - The year marked a significant shift in the market, with new energy vehicles (NEVs) surpassing 50% of domestic new car sales, establishing themselves as the mainstream product in the automotive market [2][3] - The automotive export volume exceeded 7 million units, with NEV exports reaching 2.615 million units, reflecting a strong competitive edge in international markets [11] NEV Market Dominance - NEVs accounted for 50.8% of domestic new car sales in 2025, indicating that for every two new cars sold, one was an NEV [3] - NEV production and sales reached 16.626 million and 16.49 million units, respectively, with year-on-year growth of 29% and 28.2%, maintaining a global leadership position for 11 consecutive years [3] - The competitive landscape has shifted, with domestic brands capturing nearly 70% of the passenger car market share, reversing the dominance of joint venture brands [3][4] Technological and Policy Support - The growth of NEVs is attributed to supportive policies, technological advancements, and a robust supply chain, with over 11.5 million vehicles replaced under the trade-in policy, generating sales exceeding 1.6 trillion yuan [5] - Technological innovations have led to significant improvements in vehicle performance, such as a 30% reduction in battery costs and a 40% increase in battery lifespan [6] - The establishment of a comprehensive supply chain has positioned China as a leading supplier of battery materials and power batteries globally, with 70% and 60% market shares, respectively [6] Smart Driving Developments - The approval of the first L3-level conditional autonomous driving models in December 2025 marked a pivotal moment in China's autonomous driving industry, transitioning from technology validation to mass production [7] - The penetration rate of vehicles equipped with L2-level driving assistance features reached 64%, with a year-on-year growth of 21.2% in the first three quarters of 2025 [9] - The integration of AI technologies into smart driving systems has accelerated advancements, with new models emerging that enhance driving experiences and product forms [9][10] International Expansion and Localization - In response to intensified domestic competition, Chinese automakers are accelerating their international expansion, with exports reaching 7.098 million units in 2025, a 21.1% increase [11] - Localization strategies are being implemented in key markets such as Southeast Asia and Europe, with several Chinese brands establishing manufacturing bases to enhance competitiveness [12] - Collaborations with multinational companies are facilitating the entry of Chinese automotive supply chains into global markets, strengthening China's position in the global automotive value chain [12] Market Competition Restructuring - The introduction of compliance guidelines aims to curb price wars and establish a more orderly competitive environment in the automotive industry [13] - Measures to address "involution" in the market have begun to take effect, with a shift from price competition to a focus on technology, quality, and service [13][14] - The automotive industry is transitioning from a phase of scale expansion to one of quality enhancement, necessitating a comprehensive approach to market regulation and competition [15]