China's Best-Selling Passenger Vehicles in September 2025: Tesla Model Y Leads the Charge

The Tesla Model Y topped the wholesale sales chart with an impressive 59,907 units sold, marking it as the most popular vehicle among Chinese consumers in September. Trailing closely were the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV and Geely Geome Xingyuan, which also recorded substantial sales figures of over 50,000 units each. This surge in sales highlights the increasing demand for electric vehicles in China, as consumers continue to shift from traditional combustion engines to more sustainable alternatives.

The broader market trends reveal a robust growth trajectory for the Chinese automotive industry. The total wholesale volume for passenger vehicles reached 2.803 million units, which represents a year-on-year increase of 12.4% and an increase of 13% compared to the previous month. Subcategories such as sedans, SUVs, and MPVs also posted gains, with SUVs experiencing a 15.4% year-on-year increase, underscoring the segment's popularity among Chinese buyers.

A notable aspect of the September sales figures was the prominence of new energy vehicles (NEVs), which accounted for 13 of the top 25 best-selling models. The total passenger NEV wholesale volume reached 1.50 million units, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 22.4%. This growth is part of a broader trend as China continues its push to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a greener economy. The cumulative wholesale volume for NEVs in the first three quarters of the year hit 10.444 million units, highlighting the sustained momentum in this sector.

Among the key players in the automotive market, BYD, Geely, and Chery emerged as the top three manufacturers in terms of wholesale sales. BYD led the pack with 393,000 vehicles sold, despite a 5.9% decline compared to the previous year. Geely and Chery followed with 273,000 and 269,000 vehicles sold, respectively, accounting for significant market shares. These companies are pivotal in driving the growth of NEVs, with BYD's extensive lineup contributing prominently to the overall sales figures.

The September sales data not only showcases the rising dominance of NEVs in China but also highlights the strategic shifts by automakers to cater to the evolving consumer preferences. As the market continues to grow, manufacturers are likely to intensify their focus on innovation and sustainability to capture a larger share of the electric vehicle segment. This transition is expected to reshape the automotive landscape, positioning China as a leader in the global shift toward electric mobility.