China's automobile production and sales both exceeded 34 million units in 2025, setting a new record high, the latest industry data showed on Wednesday.
In 2025, China's total auto output reached 34.531 million units, up 10.4 percent compared with the 2024 level, while total car sales rose 9.4 percent year on year to 34.4 million units, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).
China's auto output and sales have remained the highest globally for 17 consecutive years, the association noted. The country's automobile production and sales have remained above the threshold of 30 million units for three consecutive years.
New energy vehicles (NEVs) accelerated their growth momentum, with production and sales totaling 16.626 million and 16.49 million units, respectively, marking respective year-on-year increases of 29 percent and 28.2 percent, and maintaining the top position in the world for 11 straight years, the CAAM confirmed.
In the year, China's auto exports reached a new high of more than 7 million units, with the exports of NEVs alone reaching 2.615 million units, up one time over the previous year.
China's auto output, sales reach new highs in 2025
China's auto output, sales reach new highs in 2025
The energy price shock triggered by tensions in the Middle East is weighing on German consumers and industry, placing further downward pressure on Europe's largest economy.
Sustained high oil and natural gas prices are expected to hit both Germany's economy and the global outlook, according to analysts.
"The economic outlook for Germany, and indeed for the global economy, depends crucially on the course of the conflict. This means that we will face a shortage of energy -- oil and gas -- for the foreseeable future, leading to sustained high energy prices. Naturally, this puts a strain on the German economy and also on the global economy," said Timo Wollmershauser, a researcher at the ifo Institute for Economic Research.
Escalating tensions in the Middle East are also denting German consumer confidence, as households grow more cautious about the economic outlook as energy bills climb, according to analysts.
"Germany is facing a major energy price shock. Rising oil prices are eroding real incomes across the country. People are noticing the impact at the pump, for example, and consequently have less money available for other expenses. As a result, consumption will be affected. Overall, this will weaken economic development in Germany," said Oliver Holtemoller, vice president of the Halle Institute for Economic Research.
As growing uncertainty undermines the confidence of German firms and financial markets, further clouding the prospects for an economic recovery, several German research institutes have revised down their projections for the country's future growth.
While the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict continues, much attention is focusing on the severe disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz -- a vital passageway which typically carries around one-quarter of global seaborne oil trade.
The current crisis along the Strait of Hormuz came as part of Iran's response to U.S.-Israeli operations, which saw it restricting navigation through the strait and targeting any vessels associated with the U.S. or Israel.
German industry, consumers affected amid Mideast energy shock
