2024 Global Auto Sales Analysis: Chinese Brands Rise to Prominence

The 2024 global automotive sales rankings have been officially released, revealing the remarkable growth of Chinese automakers. Breakthrough performances by BYD and Geely signal a profound transformation in the global automotive landscape.

Global Automotive Sales Rankings Overview

The 2024 global sales rankings present the following landscape:

• Toyota Motor Corporation (including Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu, Hino) maintains its global leadership with 10.8 million vehicles sold
• Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Porsche, Skoda) ranks second with 9.03 million units
• Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group takes third place with 7.23 million vehicles
• Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroën, Jeep, Fiat) secures fourth position with 6.5-6.8 million units
• BYD Group makes dramatic progress to rank fifth globally
• General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac) places sixth with 4.1 million vehicles
• Ford Motor Company (Ford, Lincoln) ranks seventh with 3.9 million units

Lynk & Co 900 Flagship 6-Seater SUV Launches with Record-Breaking Orders

Core Market Performance

The all-new Lynk & Co 900 flagship large 6-seater SUV has officially launched with limited-time pricing between $40,120-$54,880 (¥289,900-¥396,900), representing a ¥30,000 reduction from pre-sale prices. Combined with official purchase benefits, buyers can save an additional ¥20,000, creating strong market demand. Positioned as the "Intelligent Configurable Flagship 6-Seater SUV" for premium family users, the model received over 10,000 firm orders within the first hour, with 35-45 year old family buyers comprising the core demographic.

Model Variants & Pricing

Four configurations available:

• 1.5T Halo
• 1.5T Ultra
• 2.0T Ultra
• 2.0T Explorer Edition

Official MSRP: ¥309,900-¥416,900
Limited-time offer: ¥289,900-¥396,900

Key Product Innovations

Space & Comfort

Dimensions: 5240/1999/1810mm with 3160mm wheelbase delivering 6.16㎡ interior space (88.2% space efficiency ratio). Features include:

• World's

New Haval Menglong Gasoline Version: Analysis of Its Rugged Off-Road Design and Powertrain

Introduction

In May 2025, Great Wall Motors' Haval brand officially released teaser images of the new Menglong gasoline version, sparking immediate market excitement. As the latest addition to the Haval Menglong series, this off-road vehicle showcases significant changes in both exterior design and powertrain configuration, with enhanced ruggedness and off-road capabilities.

Exterior Design: More Rugged and Aggressive

The Haval Menglong gasoline version features numerous detail optimizations compared to the current plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, presenting a more muscular overall appearance.

Key Design Highlights:

- Replaces the current PHEV model's horizontal grille and circular headlights with a vertical waterfall-style grille paired with rounded rectangular headlight clusters

- Front fascia adopts dense vertical stripe patterns that enhance the vehicle's imposing presence, reminiscent of classic

GAC Toyota bZ3X: The Joint Venture Brand's Smart EV Counterattack

Introduction

The GAC Toyota bZ3X is rewriting the rules of the joint venture electric vehicle market with its phenomenal performance. This pure electric compact SUV, launched in 2025, has not only achieved over 10,000 orders within the first hour of its release but has also made waves in the market with its competitive pricing and advanced smart driving capabilities.

Sales Performance: Record-breaking Orders Shatter Joint Venture Stereotypes

GAC Toyota reported April sales of 60,038 units, marking a 15% year-on-year increase, with bZ3X cumulative deliveries surpassing 10,000 units. These numbers are particularly significant as GAC Toyota had experienced a sales decline in 2024, with annual sales dropping to 738,000 units.

The bZ3X, officially launched on March 6, 2025, has shown remarkable sales momentum:

• Over 10,000 orders within the first hour of launch
• Confirmed orders exceeding 15,000 units
• March sales reached 2,500

Tank 300 Hooke Edition: 2025 Shanghai Auto Show Deep Dive

Professional-Grade Off-Roader Gets Extreme Makeover

Tank brand unveiled its all-new 300 Hooke Edition at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, featuring comprehensive upgrades tailored for hardcore off-road enthusiasts while maintaining its rugged, professional positioning.

Distinctive Exterior & Signature Color Scheme

The Tank 300 Hooke Edition sports a unique desert gray paint scheme with unpainted wheel arches, exterior mirror housings, and door handles for raw, utilitarian appeal. Key exterior upgrades include:

• Reinforced steel side steps and new front bumper for enhanced protection
• Beadlock-capable wheels with 265/70 R18 Cooper Discoverer AT3 all-terrain tires
• Functional front fender vents for improved recognition
• Optimized approach/departure angles through front axle repositioning

Premium Interior with Tech Focus

The cabin blends Tank's signature ruggedness with luxury touches:

• Dual 12.3-inch screens (instrument cluster + infotainment)

SAIC Maxus' New Cross RV Ultra Hybrid Steals the Spotlight at Shanghai Auto Show

Record-Breaking Crowds Flock to Experience the Revolutionary RV

At the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, SAIC Maxus' booth drew unprecedented crowds with wait times stretching 20-30 minutes just to enter. Visitors specifically came to witness the debut of the New Cross RV Ultra Hybrid, SAIC Maxus' groundbreaking intelligent RV. One attendee interviewed by TopUsedCars.com mentioned he was actively shopping for a second vehicle to experience alternative lifestyles through RV ownership.

Officially launched on April 26, the New Cross RV Ultra Hybrid starts at 551,800 RMB (approximately $73,573). Between 10AM-2PM daily, the SAIC Maxus booth consistently maintained over 10,000 visitors per time slot, demonstrating its immense popularity.

Game-Changing Diesel Hybrid Technology

Mi Ying, General Manager of SAIC Maxus Sales Center, explained the core design philosophy revolves around "Super Electric" - delivering stable,

Mercedes-AMG Launches Exclusive CLE 53 Special Edition Coupe

Premium Performance Meets Bespoke Design

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its stunning new CLE 53 Special Edition, elevating the already impressive AMG CLE 53 with exclusive design elements and enhanced performance features. This limited-production model combines German engineering excellence with distinctive styling cues that set it apart from the standard lineup.

Exterior Design Highlights

The Special Edition builds upon the aggressive AMG styling of the standard CLE 53 coupe, with every curve and line meticulously crafted to embody the vehicle's racing spirit. The most striking exterior upgrade comes in the form of 20-inch multi-spoke sport wheels that not only enhance the visual appeal but also showcase the massive brake calipers and perforated brake discs - a perfect marriage of form and function.

Additional exterior refinements include unique badging and exclusive color options that underscore the vehicle's special edition status

BYD Breaks Ground on Cambodia EV Plant, Accelerating Southeast Asian Expansion

Chinese EV giant BYD has officially commenced construction of its $32 million passenger vehicle manufacturing facility in Cambodia's Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone on April 28, 2025. This strategic investment marks a significant step in BYD's global expansion through localized production.

Plant Specifications and Production Timeline

The 120,000 square meter (12 hectare) facility is designed with an annual production capacity of 10,000 units, manufacturing both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Construction is expected to conclude by October 2025, with production commencing in the fourth quarter of the year. The Cambodian development council confirms this will be a Complete Knock Down (CKD) assembly operation.

Building on Strong Market Momentum

BYD has already established remarkable traction in Cambodia before this manufacturing investment. According to Liu Xueliang,

Hongqi Steals the Spotlight at 2025 Shanghai Auto Show with Groundbreaking New Models

China's Premier Auto Exhibition Showcases Hongqi's Expanding Luxury Portfolio

The automotive world turned its attention to Shanghai as the 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show opened its doors on April 23 at the Shanghai National Exhibition Center. Among the most anticipated displays was FAW Hongqi's impressive showcase, featuring several significant new models that demonstrate the brand's growing technological capabilities and product diversity.

Hongqi's Show-Stopping Debuts

Hongqi presented multiple vehicles at the exhibition, with three models generating particular excitement among international buyers:

1. Hongqi's Maiden Luxury Off-Road SUV

The undisputed star of Hongqi's display was its first-ever luxury off-road SUV, which blends traditional Chinese design elements with rugged capability. This bold new entrant features:

• Body-on-frame construction for superior durability
• Proprietary four-motor vector

Golden Badge Volkswagen: Transformation and Strategic Evolution

Golden Badge Volkswagen represents a paradigm shift for the German automaker as China's NEV industry enters its "structural adjustment phase." This case study showcases comprehensive transformation across product innovation, corporate strategy, technological roadmaps, business models, and ecosystem reconstruction.

Hefei Model: Multi-Dimensional Innovation Breakthroughs

• Breaking from the conventional JV approach of FAW-VW and SAIC-VW (model introduction, local adaptation, domestic production), Golden Badge Volkswagen leverages Volkswagen Anhui - the first wholly foreign-owned auto project under China's new ownership policy.
• Established VW's largest R&D center outside Germany in Hefei, implementing full-chain localization from development to production.
• Pioneered the "Hefei Model" through strategic partnerships with Chinese tech firms (XPeng, Horizon Robotics) to integrate cutting-edge connectivity solutions.

Flagship Products: