China's Auto Market Hits 34.5M Units in 2025, BYD Exports Surge 140%
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 19 2026
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Market Performance: In 2025, China's auto market saw sales and production exceed 34.5 million units, with year-over-year increases of 9.4% and 10.4%, respectively, demonstrating strong demand for new energy vehicles and solidifying China's position as the world's largest auto market.
- NEV Growth: New energy vehicle sales reached 16.5 million units in 2025, up 28% year-over-year, with battery electric vehicle sales climbing 37.6% to 10.6 million units, indicating that policy support and improved infrastructure have driven market expansion.
- Export Achievements: Chinese vehicle exports hit 7.1 million units in 2025, a 21% increase, with BYD's exports surging 140% to 1.05 million units, reflecting the success of its globalization strategy and enhanced product competitiveness.
- Future Outlook: Although vehicle sales are expected to grow by 1% to 34.8 million units in 2026, market growth may slow due to economic uncertainties and reduced policy support, particularly as the growth rate of new energy vehicles is anticipated to be lower than in previous years.
Analyst Views on LI
Wall Street analysts forecast LI stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for LI is 21.12 USD with a low forecast of 17.00 USD and a high forecast of 32.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
11 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
8 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 16.940
Low
17.00
Averages
21.12
High
32.00
Current: 16.940
Low
17.00
Averages
21.12
High
32.00
About LI
Li Auto Inc is a holding company primarily engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and sales of smart electric vehicles. The Company’s main products include the Li L9, Li L8, Li L7, Li L6, and Li MEGA, encompassing six-seat sport utility vehicles (SUVs), five-seat SUVs, and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs). The Company is also engaged in research and development activities relating to intelligent vehicle technologies, the design, development and manufacturing of various components and systems for new energy vehicles, and the provision of value-added services such as charging, vehicle maintenance and repair. The Company mainly conducts its businesses within domestic market.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
