Tesla continues to have growing pains: the Model 3 is no longer the best-selling premium electric car in China

China's burgeoning automotive sector is reshaping the global electric vehicle landscape, with local manufacturers rapidly challenging established international players. This shift signifies a broader trend of China's growing influence in technologically advanced industries. The recent dethroning of the Tesla Model 3 as the top-selling premium electric sedan in China underscores this dynamic, highlighting the competitive pressures emerging from within the Chinese market. The Xiaomi SU7 has officially surpassed the Tesla Model 3 in sales within China for 2025. According to the China Association of Passenger Car Association (CPCA), the SU7 sold 258,164 units, a nearly 30% increase over the Model 3's 200,361 deliveries. This marks the first time a Chinese manufacturer has claimed the top spot in this segment since Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory began production in late 2019, indicating a significant market realignment. This rapid ascent is particularly noteworthy given that Xiaomi only began delivering vehicles in March 2024. Leveraging its extensive ecosystem of mobile and tech product users, the company has successfully translated its brand recognition into automotive sales. The SU7's success is attributed to its advanced autonomous driving system and integrated software technology, positioning it as a strong competitor leveraging digital innovation.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
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