According to statistical data recently released by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), in May 2026, the monthly new passenger car registrations for Chinese brands in 31 major European countries (EU27 countries + UK + EFTA) surpassed those of Japanese automakers for the first time.

According to ACEA data, the total sales of five Chinese automakers (BYD, SAIC Motor, Geely Holding, Chery Automobile, Leapmotor) in Europe in May were 138,410 units, a 64.59% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Among them, BYD saw a 136.57% increase, Chery a 244.1% increase, and Leapmotor a 465.1% increase, with the growth rates of individual brands significantly exceeding the industry average.

Looking at market share, the share of Chinese automakers in Europe in May was approximately 12.01%, while Japanese automakers had 11.32%, marking the first time Chinese brands have overtaken them by a margin of 0.69 percentage points.

This reversal occurred as the European automobile market showed moderate growth. According to ACEA data, new car registrations in the European market, including the EU, UK, and EFTA, reached 1,152,500 units in May, a 3.6% increase compared to the same month last year. This increase was primarily driven by Chinese brands' battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

During the same period, BEVs accounted for a 20% share in the EU market, an increase of approximately 5 percentage points from 15.3% in the same period last year. In contrast, the market share of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles shrank to 30.1%, a significant decrease from 38% in the same period last year.

The electrified product lineup of Chinese automakers aligns with the needs of the electrification shift in the European market. Many countries, including Germany, Sweden, and Italy, continue to strengthen their support for new energy vehicles.

On the other hand, Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), points out that a slight lead in a single month does not signify a stable reversal for the full year, and monthly data is influenced by new products and tariff policies. Currently, with strengthening trade barriers in the EU, Chinese automakers need to continue expanding their industrial base advantages, and local factory construction and overseas expansion of the supply chain will be key to long-term breakthroughs. (Provided by/CGTN Japanese)