Chinese automotive brands have increased their presence in Malaysia over the past four years, accounting for a growing share of the country's vehicle registrations.

In 2022, brands from China accounted for 0.08% of the market. By 2025, their market presence had increased, according to data from the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

The share of Chinese brands in total vehicle registrations increased from 0.08% in 2022 to 1.27% in 2023, 4.01% in 2024, and 7.61% in 2025.

During the first five months of 2026, this figure rose further to 8.92%, meaning that almost one in every 11 new vehicles registered this year carries a Chinese marque. These figures also exclude Geely-derived vehicles sold under a national brand. In 2025, Omoda & Jaecoo was the fifth best-selling brand in the country, BYD ranked sixth, and Chery placed eighth.

All three brands outsold manufacturers such as Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Nissan. A decade ago, three Chinese marques were not represented in the national top 10. Today, only the two national brands, together with Toyota and Honda, rank ahead of them.

The data indicates different stages of market expansion. Chery and BYD recorded early growth in 2023, while Omoda & Jaecoo became the largest Chinese automotive brand in the country by 2025.

Great Wall Motor also expanded its presence, while Jetour, Zeekr, iCaur and Xpeng increased their market activity in 2026.

Factors associated with this growth include competitive pricing, equipment levels, and the availability of electric and hybrid vehicle models.

Electric vehicle incentives that remained in place until the end of 2025 also supported brands such as BYD, Zeekr and Xpeng.

The current trend shows that the market share of Chinese brands continued to increase during the first five months of 2026, while additional brands continued to enter the market.