In news that marks a structural shift in a key manufacturing industry, Chinese automakers sold roughly 27 million vehicles in 2025, compared with the 25 million of Japanese brands, claiming the top spot.

Underlying those figures is not merely a reshuffling in the rankings, but the decisive transition to electrification. The rise of Chinese electric vehicle brands has been underpinned by “full-chain autonomy”, the country’s unusually complete industry ecosystem, spanning raw materials, batteries, manufacturing and recycling.

This vertical integration has delivered both scale and cost advantages. Chinese EVs can be produced at lower costs than many Western counterparts, while maintaining comparable or even better performance.

Equally important has been the focus of Chinese EV makers on technology. Chinese companies have concentrated resources on the so-called “three electrics” — batteries, motors and electronic control — while simultaneously advancing intelligent vehicle systems. As a result, when electrification accelerated, Chinese EV industry has a solid foundation to seek new progress.

The rise of BYD illustrates this dynamic vividly. Its........

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