(Yicai) Jan. 3 -- Chinese carmakers saw their sales vary significantly last year, with success largely determined by achievements in the new energy vehicle market and export growth. BYD emerged as the clear leader, while others had mixed results, with some failing to meet targets.

BYD’s sales jumped 41 percent to 4.27 million vehicles in the 12 months ended Dec. 31, surpassing its annual target of 3.6 million. Its overseas sales soared 72 percent to 420,000, positioning the Shenzhen-based firm, which stopped making fossil fuel-powered cars in 2022, to likely top both the Chinese and global markets last year.

Geely Auto and Chery Auto, two others that notched up sales growth, also did well in the NEV market and overseas markets. Geely sold nearly 2.18 million cars last year, a 32 percent jump, also exceeding its 12-month goal. The Hangzhou-based carmaker's NEV sales soared 92 percent to 890,000 and exports 53 percent to 400,000. 

Chery Auto sold 2.6 million autos last year to surpass its 2024 target, with overseas sales up 21 percent at 1.14 million. The Wuhu-based company's NEV sales surged 233 percent to 583,600, while its monthly sales exceeded 100,000 for the first time last month.

Changan Automobile sold 2.68 million cars and state-owned Dongfeng Motor 2.48 million last year, both logging single-digit year-on-year growth. However, the figures equaled 96 percent and 92 percent of their annual objectives, respectively. 

Privately owned Great Wall Motor, which had targeted sales of 1.9 million, ended the year at 1.23 million, unchanged on 2023. Legacy car-making giants Guangzhou Automobile Group and SAIC Motor reported sales drops of 20 percent each, with the former's NEV brand GAC Aion also selling less.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Martin Kadiev