Business · Companies · 11 hrs ago
Chinese carmakers overtake Japanese brands in Europe for first time
Chinese carmakers overtook Japanese brands in European sales for the first time, according to market data.
Through September, Chinese brands held 12.7% of sales, compared with 11.9% for Japanese brands.
Their share reached a record 14.5% late in the quarter, about double the level a year earlier.
The growth comes as Chinese manufacturers face fierce competition at home and seek more customers abroad.
European carmakers face stronger competition in their own markets as Chinese brands expand with competitively priced cars and new models.
Chinese manufacturers are also building cars locally in Europe, including at a plant in Spain through a partnership between Leapmotor and Stellantis.
South Korea is also feeling the pressure: BYD sales there have surged, while Hyundai's have fallen, and the government has proposed tax credits for domestic production.
The European Union has also reached a consensus with China to limit hybrid vehicle exports to Spain, but the details are not given.
Chinese carmakers overtook Japanese brands in European sales for the first time on a quarterly basis in the third quarter of 2026.
Chinese cars reached a record market share of about 13%, compared with about 12% for Japanese cars.
Registrations of Chinese-branded cars roughly doubled year on year in the three months ending in September.
Competitive prices and a wider range of new models helped drive the increase, according to Dataforce data reported by Okaz.
The expansion comes as demand weakens in China, prompting manufacturers to seek growth in overseas markets, especially Europe.
- Who
- Chinese carmakers overtook Japanese carmakers in European sales.
- What
- Chinese brands reached about 13% of the market in the third quarter, ahead of Japanese brands at about 12%.
- When
- The third quarter of 2026, with figures covering the three months ending in September.
- Where
- European markets.
- Why
- Competitive prices and more new models supported sales, while weaker demand in China pushed manufacturers to expand abroad.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Registrations of Chinese-branded cars in Europe roughly doubled year on year, according to Dataforce data.
Chinese brands reached about 13% of European car sales, overtaking Japanese brands at about 12%.
- Chinese brands' market share
- About 13% in Europe in the third quarter
- Japanese brands' market share
- About 12% in Europe in the third quarter
- Growth in registrations
- Roughly doubled year on year in the three months ending in September
- Data source
- Dataforce