Did you know that global vehicle sales reached 22.4 million units in the first quarter of 2026 (January–March), with new energy vehicle (NEV) sales totaling 4.53 million units, accounting for 20.2% of total global vehicle sales.
Good news is that among NEVs, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) represented 13.8%, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) accounted for 6.4%, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) made up 7.2%.
Meanwhile, in Q1 2026, China’s share of the global BEV market stood at 56%, down from the approximately 63% level seen between 2023 and 2025, primarily due to seasonal factors at the start of the year that temporarily weakened China’s BEV performance.
Now, here is the interesting part of this news and figures. China held a large 73% share of the global PHEV market during the same period which might be slightly lower than the 76.4% recorded in 2025 but still remaining at a high level against the European car manufacturers who were the initiators of PHEV technology.
So which auto brands in China are leading the charge globally this Q1 2026?
According to official industry data, SAIC Group secured its position as the undisputed leader in total volume, achieving a “triple crown” for monthly sales. Geely took the second place with a total deliveries of 709,358 units in Q1 2026, attributed to the outstanding performance by its three sub-brands: Geely Galaxy, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr, delivered 238,859 units, 81,662 units, and 77,037 units, respectively. BYD claimed the third rank with a total of 700,500 units in Q1 2026.
The export market is where Chery has taken the lead in absolute volume, exporting 148,800 units in March which is a 72% increase that set a new monthly record for Chinese brands.
For the full first quarter, Chery’s exports totaled 393,300 units, marking a 53.9% increase. Currently, one out of every five Chinese vehicles sold abroad is a Chery, supported by a global user base exceeding 19.12 million.
