BYD Surpasses Ford in Global Vehicle Sales for 2025 as EV Competition Reshapes Automotive Industry

Ford Motor Company has, for the first time, been surpassed by China’s BYD Co in global vehicle sales, according to the data on 2025 global auto volumes. Ford’s global wholesale sales declined by nearly 2% last year to approximately 4.4 million units. In contrast, the Chinese auto and EV giant BYD reported sales of roughly 4.6 million vehicles worldwide, propelling it ahead of Ford to the No. 6 spot in the annual global sales rankings.This marks a historic shift in the global automotive landscape, illustrating how competition and electrification are transforming the industry. Toyota continues to lead as the world’s largest automaker, maintaining the top position for the sixth straight year with over 11.3 million vehicles sold in 2025.

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Although traditional leaders such as Volkswagen Group and General Motors still surpass Ford in overall volumes, Chinese brands are rapidly gaining ground.EV revolution and BYD’s rise

A significant factor in BYD’s rise has been the rapid expansion of electric and new energy vehicles (NEVs). In 2023, BYD sold nearly 1.86 million NEVs, surpassing many established competitors in electrified sales.

Recent data indicates that BYD also overtook Tesla in global BEV sales in 2025, with a sharp increase in its pure-electric deliveries, while Tesla’s numbers dipped in key markets.This surge in EV volumes, alongside strategic expansion into Europe, South America, and Asia, has enabled BYD not only to outgrow Ford but also to challenge other global automakers more broadly.

What this means for Ford and the industry

Ford’s loss in sales leadership marks a challenging transition to electric mobility, underscored by nearly $19.5 billion in charges announced to revamp its EV strategy.

Also Read: Ford earnings: American giant reports underwhelming numbers, expects better 2026

While Ford’s US truck and SUV market remains robust, its global ranking has been affected by slowing growth in Europe and notably in China, where local brands have gained momentum.

For over a century, the global auto industry was dominated by Detroit, Germany, and Japan. Now, this hierarchy is shifting. BYD surpassing Ford is more than just a change in rankings; it’s a signal of the intensifying competition.

As Chinese automakers advance, the battle for global supremacy is entering a fierce new phase. For the established giants, the critical question is no longer whether the industry will evolve, but who will endure these changes.