We all know how much the Chinese market shapes the global automotive landscape. Any changes have an immediate impact on the rest of the auto world. Not only does China lead the race to electrification, but the country is also making great strides in technologies like advanced driver assistance, artificial intelligence, and autonomous driving.
But even as China races to market with new innovations and even more exciting product, one thing remains unchanged: Sedans still rule.
Even though the sedan has been largely overshadowed in by SUVs in markets like the US and Europe, the traditional four-door family car is still a huge success in China. Without that success, sedans might have already disappeared from the road entirely.
Half of Global Sales
According to research on global car sales in 2024, China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan) accounted for over 50 percent of the world's sedan sales, with 7.89 million units (+1%). Despite modest growth, the sedan is still considered a status symbol among Chinese drivers, which is why nearly all Chinese manufacturers still produce them, unlike many European and American counterparts.
The second largest market for sedans was the USA / Canada with 2.63 million units (+1%). Europe, surprisingly, is only in fifth place, behind the Middle East (1.15 million, including Iran) and Latin America (921,000). European consumers have always preferred hatchbacks, station wagons, and, of course, SUVs.
Top 10 Markets for Sedans In 2024
| Country | Percentage of Cars Sold Are Sedans |
| Uzbekistan | 60% |
| Algeria | 48% |
| Egypt | 47% |
| Saudi Arabia | 46% |
| Iran | 46% |
| Azerbaijan | 41% |
| Malaysia | 36% |
| Bahrain | 33% |
| China | 33% |
| Tajikistan | 33% |
Toyota Remains on Top
Among manufacturers, Toyota maintains its leadership in the segment with nearly 2 million sedans sold in 2024. The Camry and Corolla models remain very popular, but the growth of Toyota's SUVs has negatively impacted sedan sales, which fell by 7 percent last year. Volkswagen Group also saw a decline of 4 percent, with 1.82 million units.
In contrast, Chinese brands show massive growth: BYD is third with 1.51 million sedans sold (+78%), Geely is seventh with 919,000 units (+36%), while Changan and Chery increased volumes by 19 percent (312,000 units) and 60 percent (298,000 units), respectively.
|
Top Selling Sedan Brands (2024) |
Units sold (2024) |
| Toyota | 1.75 Million |
| BYD | 1.51 Million |
| Volkswagen | 1.33 Million |
| Nissan | 974,000 |
| Honda | 938,000 |
| Hyundai | 862,000 |
| Mercedes | 691,000 |
| BMW | 587,000 |
| Tesla | 560,000 |
| Geely | 528,000 |
| Chevrolet | 514,000 |
| Kia | 474,000 |
| Audi | 461,000 |
| IKCO | 295,000 |
| Hongqi | 251,000 |
| Lexus | 247,000 |
| Changan | 236,000 |
| Suzuki | 223,000 |
| Chery | 213,000 |
| Saipa | 174,000 |
The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.
