The global market for new cars grew 5% in 2025, reaching 67 million vehicles sold, according to GlobalData Automotive. It’s a confident pace that sets the tone for the year.

Toyota Group remains firmly in front, lifting sales by 4.1% to command 12.4% of the worldwide market. The momentum came chiefly from Asia, up 5.7%, and the Americas, up 4.2%—a reminder that Toyota’s breadth across regions still pays dividends.

Volkswagen Group holds second with a 9.7% share. Despite a 2.9% slide in Asia, the company tightened its grip in Europe with a 4% gain. Closing out the top three, Hyundai–Kia reached an 8.1% share on 3% growth, adding nearly 9% in the American market and nudging rivals to take note.

Next come the Renault–Nissan alliance, down 2.2%, and Stellantis, up 0.5%, which offset a European dip with a striking 27% surge in Asia. General Motors grew 4.2%, while Ford Group advanced 3.8%; both, however, faced softer demand in Asia.

Chinese manufacturers stood out. Geely Group climbed to eighth with explosive 32.8% growth, driven by nearly 50% higher sales in Asia. BYD rounded out the top ten, strengthening its position by 395% in Europe and by 42.8% in the Americas. The trajectory makes it hard to ignore how fast Chinese badges are scaling on the world stage.

Analysts point out that the global auto industry is gradually shifting toward Asia, where growth outpaces other regions, and that Chinese brands are becoming fully fledged players in international markets. Judging by the numbers, the center of gravity is edging eastward—and the established giants know it.