Chinese Carmakers Near 10% Share of Europe’s Auto Market
Chinese brands’ European sales topped one million as the region’s auto trade with China shifted into deficit, an Allianz Trade report says.
Key takeaways
- Chinese brands’ share of the EU car market rose from about 2% to nearly 10%.
- Their European sales exceeded one million for the first time.
- EU imports of electric and hybrid vehicles from China reached $14.2 billion in the first half of 2026.
- Chinese firms could account for 37% of Europe’s announced battery capacity by 2030.
Chinese automakers’ share of the European Union car market has climbed from about 2% to nearly 10%, and their sales in Europe passed one million for the first time, according to an Allianz Trade report cited by Anadolu Agency.
Chinese brands accounted for 16% of Europe’s fully electric car sales and 26% of plug-in hybrid sales, the report said. Across the EU, car sales grew 5% year on year in January-August 2026, while fully electric sales rose about 45%.
The report also found a shift in the EU’s auto trade with China. EU exports of cars to China have fallen over the past two years, while imports of electric and hybrid vehicles from China doubled to $14.2 billion in the first half of 2026. Chinese hybrid shipments increased 206% in that period.
The EU has imposed additional duties of up to 35% on electric cars made in China, but Chinese companies have continued to expand sales by focusing on hybrids, the report said. At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Chinese brands made up half of participating automakers, up from 23% in 2024.
The report said the value added per vehicle created by Germany’s three largest automakers in Europe fell 30% to 45% in the first half of 2026 compared with 2021-2022. It also estimated that Chinese firms could hold 37% of Europe’s announced battery production capacity by 2030, or as much as 45% if projects that are not yet certain go ahead.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
