According to media reports, data from market research firm Dataforce shows that in February 2025, Chinese automakers' sales in the European market increased by 64% year-on-year to 38,902 units. Their market share rose from 2.5% in the same period last year to 4.1%. Leading this growth were Chery, BYD, and SAIC's MG brand.
In terms of powertrain types, while Europe's overall battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales grew 26% year-on-year in February, BEV imports from China dropped 3.4% to 11,116 units, mainly due to the European Union imposing tariffs of up to 40% on Chinese-made electric cars. In contrast, Chinese plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which are not affected by the new EU tariffs, saw a 321% year-on-year surge in sales, reaching 4,744 units in February.
For traditional fuel-powered cars, non-hybrid gasoline models from China recorded a 27% year-on-year sales increase in Europe, totaling 11,798 units. Notably, Chery's Jaecoo and Omoda brands performed well, while the MG HS and MG3 gasoline versions also achieved strong sales.
Among electrified models, the best-selling Chinese PHEV in February was the BYD Seal U mid-size SUV, with 2,281 units sold. It was followed by the MG HS PHEV (1,079 units) and the Chery Jaecoo 7 PHEV (971 units). Additionally, the BYD Seal U BEV recorded 519 units in sales.
Leapmotor International, a joint venture between Stellantis and China's Leapmotor, saw its Leapmotor-branded cars reach 895 units in Europe in February, a significant increase from just 15 units in the same period last year. The Leapmotor T03, an affordable small EV priced as low as €16,000, contributed the majority of these sales.
Other notable performers included the BYD Dolphin compact hatchback (1,281 units, up 139% year-on-year), the Chery Omoda 5 compact crossover (2,138 units), and the newly launched Polestar 4 mid-size crossover (1,247 units).
From a brand perspective, the overall increase of 15,200 units in Chinese automakers' European sales in February was primarily driven by three major manufacturers: BYD (4,294 units), Chery (4,095 units), and SAIC (4,004 units).
However, some Chinese brands saw moderate sales performance in Europe, including XPeng (984 units), as well as Geely-owned brands Zeekr (154 units), Lotus (197 units), and Lynk & Co (305 units). Meanwhile, Great Wall Motors (153 units), Nio (73 units), Hongqi (70 units), and Aiways (8 units) reported relatively low sales.
Looking ahead, several Chinese models are expected to gain traction in the European market, including the European version of the BYD Seagull, a small EV expected to be priced below €20,000, as well as Leapmotor's B10 compact SUV and C10 mid-size SUV. Notably, the Leapmotor C10 will offer a range-extended EV system, a low-emission technology popular in China that could help capture more market share in Europe. Additionally, Chery has announced plans to introduce the Tiggo brand in select Eastern European markets this year, complementing its existing Omoda and Jaecoo lineup.
