China and India reshape global car production by 2025

Global car production trends have shifted dramatically between 2019 and 2025. Some countries saw sharp declines, while others, like India, experienced rapid growth. China remains the dominant producer, also serving as a key export hub for Western brands. India’s passenger car production surged by 48% from 2019 to 2025, the highest relative growth in the dataset. This rise pushed the country ahead of long-standing automotive leaders such as Germany. Meanwhile, major producers faced steep drops: the U.S. saw a 49% decline, Mexico a 36% fall, and France a 36% reduction.

China solidified its position as the world’s largest car manufacturer, producing 30.3 million passenger vehicles in 2025. This figure exceeds the combined output of the next 13 countries, which totalled around 32.1 million. The country also plays a vital role in global supply chains, hosting production for Western automakers.

Volkswagen Group manufactures its all-electric Cupra Tavascan in Anhui, China, for export to Europe. BMW’s all-electric iX3 is built exclusively in Shenyang for worldwide distribution. Mini’s electric models, including the Cooper E and Aceman, are also made in China for global markets. Tesla, too, relies on Chinese plants for its export operations. The data highlights China’s central role in both production and export for the automotive industry. India’s growth marks a notable shift in the sector’s landscape. Traditional powerhouses now face new competition and changing dynamics.