BYD Song Tops China NEV Sales in January as Tesla Model Y, Xiaomi YU7 Follow

The BYD Song emerged as the best-selling model in China by wholesale volume in January, underlining its continued dominance in China NEV sales despite a broader market slowdown. Data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) showed the BYD Song SUV series achieved 42,227 wholesale units during the month, leading a competitive field where 17 models crossed the 20,000-unit threshold.
The strong showing from the BYD Song reinforces its position as one of the most consistent performers in the China passenger car market, particularly within the fast-growing new energy vehicle segment.

BYD Song Leads Wholesale Rankings in China NEV Sales

The January wholesale ranking highlights intense competition among leading domestic and international brands. The BYD Song secured the top position, narrowly ahead of the Geely Xingyuan compact EV, which recorded 41,676 units. The Tesla Model Y followed closely with 38,916 wholesale units, while the Xiaomi YU7 reached 37,869 units. Tesla’s Model 3 sedan ranked seventh with 30,213 units.
Among the 17 models exceeding 20,000 wholesale units, 13 were new energy vehicles, reflecting the structural shift underway in China NEV sales and the accelerating transition toward electrification.

Top Wholesale Performers in January

• BYD Song – 42,227 units

• Geely Xingyuan – 41,676 units

• Tesla Model Y – 38,916 units

• Xiaomi YU7 – 37,869 units

• Tesla Model 3 – 30,213 units

The dominance of NEVs in this list demonstrates how deeply electrified models now shape China NEV sales trends.

Retail Sales Ranking Shows Different Dynamics

Separate retail sales data shared by local auto media Auto Home presented a slightly different picture of consumer demand. In retail terms, the Xiaomi YU7 topped the list with 37,869 units sold. The Nio ES8 ranked 16th with 17,645 units, while the Tesla Model Y came in 20th with 16,845 units.

Wholesale vs Retail: Understanding the Gap

Wholesale sales reflect shipments from manufacturers to dealers, while retail sales indicate actual consumer purchases. The divergence between rankings suggests inventory adjustments and channel dynamics may have influenced China NEV sales patterns in January, especially as automakers recalibrated production and distribution strategies.

China NEV Sales Decline Amid Seasonal Slowdown

January is traditionally a softer month for the China passenger car market due to seasonal factors. This year, reduced policy support further weighed on demand. According to CPCA data, China NEV sales at the retail level totaled 596,000 units in January, marking a 20% year-on-year decline. This was the first such drop since March 2024.
Despite the downturn, leading models such as the BYD Song, Geely Xingyuan, and Tesla Model Y have consistently remained among the country’s top sellers. The Xiaomi YU7, launched in June 2025, has quickly established itself as a strong contender, while the updated Nio ES8, introduced in September 2025, has also gained notable traction.
The January performance confirms that even in a cooling market, competitive product positioning and strong brand equity continue to define leadership in China NEV sales, with the BYD Song once again setting the pace.