Chinese cars! The real automotive battle between traditional and Chinese manufacturers is not taking place in Europe or the US, but in developing countries. China is gradually establishing itself as a serious player in the markets of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Southeast Asia - where buyers are looking for affordable mobility, not prestige.
While Western media is paying close attention to China's expansion in Europe, the real competition is happening elsewhere - in markets where price is often the deciding factor. Let's take a look at where Chinese cars are taking over the market.
Key to success: accessibility and timely electrification
Buyers in lower-income countries are extremely price-sensitive, and Chinese brands have been able to offer just that – cars that are significantly cheaper than European, Japanese, Korean or American competitors.
This is especially true for the electric vehicle segment, where the Chinese are combining technology, usability and affordable price, which puts them in a privileged position over the competition.
Data shows that the biggest "victims" of the rise of Chinese brands are long-established manufacturers: Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi and Suzuki from Japan; Hyundai and Kia from South Korea; and Fiat, Renault and Volkswagen from Europe. Even American Chevrolet and Ford are feeling the effects of the change.
Chinese cars – Rise in key markets
The biggest shifts are happening in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Australia, where Chinese brands are achieving double-digit market shares.
- Brazil, the largest automotive market in Latin America, sees the share of Chinese brands grow from 6.8% in 2024 to 9.1 % in 2025 – which together ranks them in fourth place, right behind Fiat, Volkswagen and Chevrolet.
- Australia experienced a similar jump – from 12.4 % to almost 17 % in 2025.
- V Ukraine BYD increased its share from 3 % to 7.7 %, bringing it much closer to traditional brands such as Toyota and Renault.
A similar trend is observed in Chile, Colombia, Indonesia and Israel, where buyers are increasingly choosing Chinese manufacturers.
Share of Chinese brands by country (2025): Chinese cars
| Country | Market share of Chinese brands |
|---|---|
| Thailand | 32,4 % |
| Israel | 32,0 % |
| Chile | 30,9 % |
| Ecuador | 29,9 % |
| Uruguay | 26,4 % |
| Panama | 26,0 % |
| Australia | 16,7 % |
| United Arab Emirates | 16,0 % |
| South Africa | 15,0 % |
| Ukraine | 12,7 % |
| Indonesia | 12,2 % |
| New Zealand | 12,1 % |
| Saudi Arabia | 11,8 % |
| Colombia | 11,2 % |
| Brazil | 9,1 % |
| Mexico | 7,7 % |
| Malaysia | 6,7 % |
Which Chinese brands and models are conquering the world?
The rise of Chinese cars in the markets of Asia, Africa and South America is no coincidence. Behind their success is not only a favorable price, but also a well-thought-out range of models that are tailored to the needs of local buyers. While Western manufacturers often aim for prestige, Chinese brands bet on practicality, technology and accessibility.
Latin America: BYD and Chery lead electric offensive
In Latin America, where electrification is only just gaining momentum, BYD has become synonymous with electric mobility. Models Dolphin and Dolphin Mini are simple, urban-oriented electric cars that are conquering Brazil, Colombia and Chile with their low price and reliability. In addition to them, the Chery, with a family of SUVs Tiggo, which are popular in Brazil, Chile and Ecuador due to their spaciousness and equipment.
They are also selling very well. GWM Haval Jolion and MG ZS, which offer modern design and technology at a much lower price than comparable Japanese models. In many Latin American countries, these cars are already a standard among top ten best-selling models.
Southeast Asia: electric breakthrough with Atto 3 and Wuling Air EV
Chinese cars and influence in Southeast Asia is extremely strong. On Thailand is a model BYD Atto 3 became the leading electric SUV and literally transformed the market. A similar story is also told by MG4 Electric, one of the best-selling electric hatchbacks in the region, and ORA Good Cat, which attracts younger and female drivers with its retro look.
V Indonesia reigns Wuling Air EV, a small electric city car that has become a hit with its price – cheaper than some motorbikes and ideal for the traffic-dense environment of Jakarta. Chinese brands currently dominate more than one third of the electricity market, which clearly shows that local buyers are ready for change.
Africa: SUVs are the new status symbol
In African markets, the focus is a bit different. Buyers there have not yet made the massive switch to electric vehicles, but Chinese brands have been able to offer durable and affordable SUVs, which are suitable for demanding road conditions. Models Chery Tiggo 4 and Tiggo 8 Pro and GWM Haval Jolion are among the best-selling vehicles in South Africa, while BYD Yuan Plus (Atto 3) is rapidly gaining ground in Egypt and Kenya.
Reliability, robustness and spaciousness – three qualities that Chinese SUVs successfully combine – have put them on par with Toyota and Hyundai, at much more affordable prices.
Middle East: Electric Wave from Israel
While many markets are just getting electrified, Israel became one of the pioneers of e-mobility outside Europe. There BYD Atto 3 Currently best-selling electric car. Follow him MG4, while in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates reign Geely Coolray, Changan Alsvin and MG ZSCustomers appreciate the combination of modern design, digital equipment and reasonable prices – a formula that works great in the Middle East.
Oceania: a surprise from Australia
Perhaps the most unexpected success of Chinese cars is happening in Australia. There it is MG ZS for two years in a row best-selling Chinese car, while electric BYD Atto 3 became one of the most popular SUVs in general. GWM Haval H6 and Tank 300 have gained a solid base among drivers looking for rugged yet affordable SUVs. The Chinese now control almost all of the Australian market. 17 % Market – a result that would have been unimaginable even five years ago.
Common denominator: price, technology and customer understanding
In short, Chinese brands thrive because they have understood a simple truth: people want modern cars that they can affordThey don't sell dreams of the future, but concrete cars for the present – electric, efficient and affordable.
Their success is not accidental, but the result combination of technological self-sufficiency, aggressive pricing policy and thoughtful positioningWhile Western manufacturers are still searching for the perfect formula for “transition,” the Chinese are already driving theirs on the roads of São Paulo, Bangkok, and Johannesburg.
A new balance in the global automotive industry
Chinese manufacturers and Chinese cars, such as BYD, MG, Chery and GWM, prove that the combination technologies, affordable prices and efficient supply chains can shake up the world automotive order.
While future electrification standards are still being discussed in Europe and the US, a new generation of electric vehicles – those that are accessible to the general public – is already being driven in developing countries today.
If in recent decades the automotive story has been written in the West, it seems that in the new era it is being written from the east.
