Chinese automakers have surpassed Japanese brands in Europe's passenger car market for the first time as of May 2026. This milestone is driven in part by BYD's robust overseas performance, with the company's first-half passenger vehicle sales jumping 70% year-on-year. The resurgence is further supported by renewed purchase subsidies benefiting BYD, while Japanese automaker Nissan is shifting focus to other markets.

The developments highlight a significant shift in the European automotive landscape, despite existing tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs). BYD's growth underscores the increasing competitiveness of Chinese manufacturers in international markets.

Sources