Korean Media: The miracle of a sea change has begun — the era of China's automotive industry is unfolding!
On April 24, Korean media outlet Today Asia published an article stating that last year, China’s automotive industry surpassed Japan in sales volume for the first time, successfully claiming the top spot globally. Considering that at the end of the 20th century, China was still a nation with a lagging automobile sector, unable to compare with other countries worldwide, it can be said that China has achieved a miracle of monumental transformation.
Sales figures undoubtedly confirm this conclusion. Last year, Chinese automakers’ global sales were estimated at around 27 million units—2 million more than Toyota and other Japanese companies. Moreover, Japan has fallen from its position as the world’s top-selling car manufacturer for the first time in 25 years since 2000.
Naturally, the comprehensive transformation and remarkable rise of China’s automotive industry stem from multiple factors. Among them, the significant advancement in electric vehicles (EVs) stands out as one of the most crucial elements. This implies a simplified production process fundamentally different from internal combustion engine vehicles, along with China’s robust battery manufacturing industry, which have made substantial contributions to this achievement. The success story of BYD clearly illustrates this point. Starting from battery manufacturing, BYD has now achieved outstanding results in the electric vehicle sector.
Its strong price competitiveness must also not be overlooked. As of February 2026, the average price of cars produced in China stood at 180,000 RMB. Compared to South Korea’s 50.5 million KRW and Japan’s 4 million JPY during the same period, Chinese vehicles are significantly cheaper. If such a model fails to succeed globally, that would indeed be perplexing.
Performance-wise, there is no need for further elaboration. While it may be difficult to claim that most Chinese models are the absolute best, their quality levels are certainly on par with those of global competitors. Brands like Geely, having strengthened their technological capabilities through acquiring Sweden’s Volvo, are now considered capable of rivaling Honda or Nissan.
It must be noted that the Southeast Asian market, long dominated by Japanese enterprises, has now been rapidly captured by Chinese companies. Through strategic moves such as building factories in Thailand and actively expanding into new markets, companies like BYD have achieved notable success. Analysts believe that breaking into the stronghold of Japanese automakers in Southeast Asia indicates that success on the global stage is feasible. Chinese automakers have already accomplished this formidable task.
Given the current landscape, it is expected that China’s automotive industry will maintain its position as the world’s top seller in the foreseeable future. Although uncertainties remain due to potential U.S. tariff pressures, considering the powerful momentum already built up within China’s auto sector, this scenario is entirely plausible. In the automotive industry, it can truly be said that the era of “Made in China” has officially begun.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863338988554249/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.