How world’s top automakers have changed since 2020
Over the past five years, the global automotive industry has experienced a significant upheaval as traditional automakers faced increasing competition and Chinese manufacturers rose to the top of the rankings.
With over 11.3 million and 9 million vehicles sold, respectively, Toyota and Volkswagen maintained their position as the world’s top automakers in 2025. With a combined total of 7.3 million, Hyundai and Kia maintained South Korea’s dominant position among the major companies in the sector.
The competitive scene changed significantly as one moved down the ranks. While Stellantis (5.6 million) brought several well-known American and European brands together under one corporate roof, China’s BYD sold 4.6 million cars, almost equal Ford’s yearly total.
| Rank (2025) | Rank (2020) | Maker | Sales (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Toyota | 11,322,575 |
| 2 | 2 | Volkswagen | 8,983,978 |
| 3 | 4 | Hyundai Kia | 7,272,453 |
| 4 | 3 | GM | 6,183,928 |
| 5 | * | Stellantis | 5,600,000 |
| 6 | 6 | Ford | 4,650,000 |
| 7 | ** | BYD | 4,602,436 |
| 8 | 5 | Honda | 3,521,905 |
| 9 | 13 | Suzuki | 3,295,013 |
| 10 | 7 | Nissan | 3,202,137 |
| 11 | ** | Geely | 3,024,567 |
| 12 | ** | Changan | 2,913,177 |
| 13 | 11 | BMW | 2,463,715 |
| 14 | 9 | Renault | 2,336,807 |
| 15 | 12 | Mercedes | 2,160,354 |
– : Automakers not among top 15 in 2020.
The size of the shift is shown in BYD’s close proximity to Ford. Less than 50,000 cars separated their claimed sales figures, placing the Chinese manufacturer on par with one of the most well-known automakers in the United States.
In 2025, Geely and Changan both sold more over 2.9 million cars, demonstrating that China’s expanding influence goes beyond a single successful business.
Rise Of Chinese Automakers
Chinese manufacturers had a significant opportunity as a result of the migration to electric vehicles, especially after the epidemic. 60% of the world’s sales of electric cars, including plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles, were produced in China in 2025. These cars accounted for about 55% of all new automobile sales in China, giving local producers a sizable domestic market.
That growth has been sustained in part by affordability. Approximately 70% of battery-electric vehicles sold in China in 2025 cost less than the average conventional car.
Along with its auto manufacturing, China concentrated a significant portion of the electric vehicle supply chain, accounting for more than 80% of the world’s battery-cell output. International markets are becoming more and more affected by this competitive pressure.
Over half of all electric cars sold in Southeast Asia were made by Chinese manufacturers, and Chinese electric car exports increased to over 2.5 million in 2025. Seeking clients overseas has become more appealing due to fierce competition and reduced margins at home.
Consolidation is another factor driving the shifting automotive hierarchy, as seen by Stellantis. In January 2021, Fiat Chrysler and PSA finalised their merger, fusing Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, and other brands with Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Fiat. Prior to the merger, Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group ranked eighth & tenth among major automakers.