China’s automotive industry journey is an epic tale of transformation – from a follower to a global leader, with Chinese car brands at the heart of this evolution. Since the first “Liberation” truck rolled off the production line in Changchun in 1956, to 2023 when vehicle production exceeded 30 million units and maintained its position as the world’s largest market for 15 consecutive years, China’s auto industry has come a long way. During this journey, China’s auto sector achieved three major breakthroughs: moving from technology imports to independent innovation, shifting from traditional fuel vehicles to new energy vehicles, and expanding from the domestic market to global operations. Leading Chinese car brands have been instrumental in this transformation. In the new energy sector, China’s sales reached 9.495 million units in 2023, accounting for 31.6% of total vehicle sales, making it not just the global leader but also a key driver in the worldwide automotive transformation. Today, China has built a complete industrial chain – from power batteries to smart connectivity, from vehicle manufacturing to parts supply. The country exported 5.22 million vehicles in 2023, setting a new record, with Chinese car brands becoming a symbol of manufacturing excellence worldwide.

Early Development (1978-2000)

After China opened up its economy, it began bringing in advanced technology from abroad. Shanghai Volkswagen’s establishment in 1984 marked the beginning of joint ventures in China’s auto industry. Global giants like Volkswagen, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota set up factories in China, bringing advanced technology and management expertise.

Independent Innovation (2000-2015)

In the 21st century, domestic brands like Geely, Chery, BYD, and Great Wall emerged rapidly. Through ongoing innovation and market competition, Chinese brands first secured their position in the mid-to-low-end market before moving into the premium segment.

New Energy Leadership (2015-Present)

China’s auto sales surpassed 30 million units in 2023, leading the global market for 15 straight years. New energy vehicles have been particularly impressive, with companies like BYD and NIO showing strong innovation and competitiveness.

Going Global

Chinese Car Brands are rapidly expanding worldwide. With 5.22 million vehicles exported in 2023, they’ve set new records. Geely’s acquisition of Volvo led to technological breakthroughs, while BYD and Great Wall Motors have made significant progress in overseas markets.This transformation shows how China has evolved from being the world’s factory to becoming a true automotive powerhouse, with its car brands leading the charge into the future.

Here’s a detailed introduction to China’s top 10 automotive manufacturers, showing how Chinese car brands have transformed from local manufacturers to global competitors:

• Founded: 1978
• Headquarters: Shanghai China
• Products:Complete vehicles, components, mobility services, finance, international operations,
• Website: https://www.saicmotor.com/
• Total vehicle sales: 5.02 million units in 2023

SAIC Group’s history dates back to 1901 when Shanghai became the first Chinese city to use automobiles.

By the 1940s, Shanghai had 30,000 vehicles and was known as the “International Automobile Exhibition. ” The company officially started in 1955 when Shanghai Internal Combustion Engine Parts Manufacturing Company was established. In 1997, SAIC formed a joint venture with General Motors, establishing Shanghai General Motors. After 2002, SAIC expanded into multiple areas including automotive logistics, leasing, and finance.

Today, SAIC Group owns numerous brands including SAIC Volkswagen, SAIC General Motors, SAIC Roewe, and SAIC MG. In 2022, their total vehicle sales reached 5.303 million units, including 1.073 million new energy vehicles.

• Founded: 2003
• Headquarters: Shenzhen China
• Products: Passenger battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), collectively known as new energy vehicles (NEVs)
• Website: https://www.byd.com/
• Total vehicle sales: 3.02 million units in 2023

Founded on November 18, 1994, BYD began as a battery manufacturer before entering the automotive industry in 2003 through the acquisition of Xi’an Qinchuan Auto.

Through consistent independent research and development, BYD has become a leading Chinese vehicle brand in the new energy sector. The company has developed numerous influential technologies, including the Blade Battery and DM-i super hybrid technology.

In 2023, BYD’s new energy vehicle sales exceeded 3 million units, making them the global leader in this segment. Their product range includes the BYD Han, Tang, Song, and Qin series.

• Founded: 1986
• Headquarters: Zhejiang China
• Brands: Volvo Car, Polestar, Lotus, Geely Auto, Zeekr, LYNK & CO, Geometry, London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), PROTON as well as Terrafugia
• Website: https://global.geely.com/
• Total vehicle sales: 2.78 million units in 2023

Established in 1986 in Zhejiang Taizhou, Geely began as a refrigerator parts manufacturer before entering the automotive industry in 1997.

In 2010, Geely acquired 100% of Volvo Cars, followed by acquisitions of Proton Cars and Lotus Cars. The group has developed into a global automotive manufacturer with multiple brands including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, ZEEKR, Volvo, and Polestar.

In 2023, Geely Auto achieved sales of 1.68 million units, while Lynk & Co exceeded 220,000 units and ZEEKR surpassed 100,000 units.

• Founded: 1986
• Headquarters: Zhejiang China
• Brands: Hongqi, Bestune (Benteng), FAW-Toyota, FAW-Volkswagen (Volkswagen, Audi, Jetta)
• Products: Automobiles, buses, light, medium and heavy-duty trucks, and auto parts
• Website: faw.com
• Total vehicle sales: 3.44 million units in 2023

The First Automobile Works project was included in China’s first Five-Year Plan in 1950.

On July 15, 1953, the foundation ceremony was held, and in 1956, FAW produced China’s first truck (the Liberation brand). In 1958, they manufactured China’s first passenger car (the Dongfeng brand) and first luxury car (the Hongqi brand).

Today, FAW Group has established five major production bases across Northeast, North, East, South, and Southwest China. The group owns independent brands such as Hongqi, Liberation, and Pentium, while maintaining joint ventures with Volkswagen (Audi) and Toyota.

In 2022, FAW Group’s cumulative vehicle production and sales exceeded 60 million units, placing them in the first tier of China’s automotive industry.

• Founded: 1996
• Headquarters: Chongqiong China
• Brands: Changan, Deeply, Avatar, Changan Ford, Chang Mazda, Changan JMC
• Products:  Passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and new energy vehicles
• Website: https://www.globalchangan.com/
• Total vehicle sales: 2.55 million units in 2023

Changan’s history traces back to 1862 with the Shanghai Foreign Gun Bureau, pioneering modern Chinese industry. In 1957, Changan produced China’s first jeep – the Yangtze River Model 46. In 1984, they began manufacturing mini vehicles. After entering the 21st century, Changan accelerated development by continuously launching new models. The company now offers a complete industrial chain and diverse product line including sedans, SUVs, and MPVs.

In 2023, Changan achieved sales of 2.553 million vehicles, representing an 8.85% year-over-year increase. Popular models include the CS75 PLUS, Eado, and UNI-V series.

• Founded: 1969
• Headquarters: Wuhan China
• Brands: Dongfeng, Dongfeng-NISSAN, Dongfeng-Honda,
• Products:  Passenger vehicles include cars, SUVs, MPVs, mini-CVs, and Special trucks. High-mobility special off-road vehicles include the Dongfeng Mengshi, desert off-road, and AWD off-road vehicles. New-energy vehicles, including HEV, all-electric, and natural gas vehicles. Dongfeng Motor
• Website: http://www.dongfeng-global.com/
• Total vehicle sales: 2.08 million units in 2023

Originally established in 1969 as the “Second Automobile Manufacturing Plant” in Shiyan, Hubei Province, Dongfeng has grown into one of China’s largest state-owned automotive enterprises. The corporation manufactures a full range of commercial vehicles, passenger cars, new energy vehicles, and military vehicles. They maintain strong capabilities in research, development, production, sales, and service.

In 2022, Dongfeng Motor Group sold 2.4645 million vehicles, with popular models including the Dongfeng Nissan Sylphy, Dongfeng Honda Civic, and Dongfeng Fengshen AX7.

• Founded: 1997
• Headquarters: Wuhu China
• Products:  Passenger vehicles include cars, SUVs, MPVs, mini-CVs, and Special trucks. High-mobility special off-road vehicles include the Dongfeng Mengshi, desert off-road, and AWD off-road vehicles. New-energy vehicles, including HEV, all-electric, and natural gas vehicles.
• Total vehicle sales: 1.88 million units in 2023

Established in 1997, Chery produced its first car in 1999. From its inception, Chery committed to independent innovation, gradually mastering core technologies like engine and transmission development. The group has evolved into a large enterprise focusing on automotive manufacturing while encompassing research and development, production, sales, service, and parts manufacturing. They own multiple brands including Chery, Exeed, and Jetour.

In 2023, Chery Group achieved remarkable growth with total vehicle sales reaching 1.8813 million units, representing a 52.68% increase year-over-year. Their popular models include the Arrizo series, Tiggo series, while the Exeed Lunar and Jetour X70 have also gained significant market share.

• Founded: 1997
• Headquarters: Guangzhou, China
• Brand: Trumpchi, Aion, GAC, GAC Toyota, GAC Honda, 
• Products: L uxury MPV, SUVs, hybrids, and accessories
• Total vehicle sales: 2.5 million units in 2023

GAC Group’s origins can be traced to the Guangzhou Auto Repair Factory established in 1954. In 1985, they began automobile production through cooperation with Peugeot. A significant milestone came in 1998 with the establishment of GAC Honda, marking the beginning of GAC Group’s rapid development phase. As a large state-controlled shareholding enterprise group, GAC Group’s business covers automotive research and development, vehicle manufacturing, parts supply, commercial services, and financial services. They operate successful joint ventures including GAC Honda and GAC Toyota, while developing their own brand GAC Trumpchi.

In 2023, GAC Group achieved vehicle sales of 2.517 million units, with popular models including the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and GAC Trumpchi GS4 and M8 series.

• Founded: 1958
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
• Brand: ARCFOX, BEIJING Auto, Mercedes-Benz, Beijing-Hyundai
• Products: Passenger car maker BAIC Motor; a military vehicle and SUV maker, BAW; and a truck, bus, and agricultural equipment maker
• Website: https://www.baicgroup.com
• Total vehicle sales: 2.5 million units in 2023

BAIC Group’s history dates back to 1958 with the establishment of Beijing Automobile Works, making it one of China’s automotive industry pioneers. Through years of development and reform, BAIC Group has built a diversified industrial layout covering vehicle manufacturing, parts production, and automotive services. The group operates joint ventures with Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai, while developing its own new energy vehicle brand.

In 2023, BAIC Group achieved total vehicle sales of 1.708 million units. Their product portfolio includes successful models from Beijing Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class and E-Class series, Beijing Hyundai’s Elantra and Tucson models, and BAIC New Energy’s EU5 and EX3 series.

• Founded: 1984
• Headquarters: Hebei, China
• Products: sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-up trucks
• Website: https://www.gwm-global.com/
• Total vehicle sales: 1.23 million units in 2023

Founded in 1984, Great Wall Motors started as a small local automobile modification workshop. In 1990, they began producing light passenger vehicles, and in 1996, they launched their first pickup truck model. By 2002, Great Wall Motors entered the SUV market, gradually establishing their main product focus on pickups and SUVs. The company has become known for high-quality, high-performance vehicles with strong brand recognition in the domestic market.

In 2023, Great Wall Motors achieved sales of 1.2307 million units. Their successful models include the Haval H6, Haval Dog, and Great Wall Cannon pickup series. The company has also launched premium brands including WEY and Tank, further enhancing their brand image and product competitiveness in the market.

Over the past few decades, China’s automotive industry has transformed from collaborating with foreign brands as OEMs to the rise of independent domestic brands. Today, Chinese automobiles are no longer associated with low prices and poor quality. China has developed a complete and robust automotive industry chain. Particularly in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, Chinese car brands are starting to lead the market. With a tenacious ability to adapt and thrive, Chinese automotive brands now offer consumers high-value, increasingly reliable, and diverse choices.

Even luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW no longer enjoy the same level of premium pricing in the Chinese market as before. Chinese car brands also aspire to expand their exports, providing consumers in other countries with more options. This reduces dependence on a few dominant brands offering mediocre value for money. If you want to learn more about automobile companies in china, feel free to contact us. We’d be delighted to share a more authentic perspective on the Chinese automotive market with you.