Lotus Sales : 2025 (Q1-Q3)

Lotus Cars has always been a problem child. The issue hasn't been the product. Far from it. It's been about profitability or the lack of. Current owners are Geely (51%) and Etika Automotive (49%), a Chinese-Malaysian collaboration.

The current range consists of the Eletre and Emeya electric SUV/GT,  made in China. The petrol powered Emira and limited volume electric Evija sports cars, made in the UK. 

To the right we can see the last three years of sales, minus one quarter. Things took off in 2023 and continued through 2024. By 2025, orders had been met and a return to relative normality.

A hybrid version of the Eletre SUV is planned for 2026 and that should noticeably lift sales. A hybrid Emira and a smaller SUV are planned for 2027. 

Now looking at models, or more precisely. the two segments they reside in. Comparing Q1-Q3, the Car/SUV grouping is up from 53% to 72%. Both are down in volume and combined that is -40%. 

The sports car side of the business basically revolves around one model and therefore is going to boom with a new model and then fall away to something more reflective of true demand.

As for regions, China has emerged as the largest for Lotus sales, with 46% of the total. It's also the only region that increased. It would be safe to assume that the Car/SUV models would be the main cars sold there, while the sports cars are the more popular elsewhere. 

Data and photo source: Lotus Cars. 

Photos (from the top). Eletre, Emira, Evija and Emeya.

Brands From China In Australia : 2025 (Jan -Oct)

There has been an upsurge of cars made in China coming to Australia. In October 27,700 vehicles came from Japan, 20,800 from Thailand and 20,400 from China. Even a couple of years ago, that would have seemed far fetched. No one would doubt that it will continue to grow. 

The chart to the right shows sales of brands that are based in China. It includes passenger cars and light commercials. 

Rk is where they rank compared to all brands, MS is market share and +/- shows increase over 12 months of 2024. There have been impressive gains plus a host of newbies.

BYD is in its third full year and already has 4.2% market penetration. MG and Haval are both in their 8th full year and while they do well here, they have both lost some ground in 2025. 

New arrivals for 2025 have a n/a in the +/- column to indicate that. 2026 will herald in yet more brands, which will be making it a crowded market place. There is such a thing as too much choice. 

Data source: FCAI. 

For others in the series: France, New Zealand, Singapore. The UK.

Photo source: GWM (Tank 300 model - above) & Deepal (E07- below) Australia. 

Brands From China In The UK : 2025 (Jan -Oct)

The UK has seen a sudden rush of new Chinese brands entering the market. MG has been around since the demise of MG Rover but only reached five digit volume in 2019. 

The list to the right has UK ranking, market share and increase or decrease of market share which compares 10 months of 2025 with 12 months of 2024. 

The list covers brands that exclusively source cars from China so the 8.9% would be lower than the full number of cars sourced from there. 

MG has an advantage of being well established before the recent invasion but with market share down slightly they may be feeling the impact of the new arrivals. BYD is its usual aggressive self and the rest have arrived in 2024 or 2025, the latter shows a 'n/a'. 

I have yet to investigate other European markets but the UK would seem to have far more Chinese brands doing well. The EU has imposed tariffs on electric cars due to their claim of unfair subsidies. The UK isn't doing the same. I wonder how Nissan Leaf sales will go in the UK, as it is produced there and doesn't need unfair competition. 

For others in the series: Australia, France, Singapore. New Zealand.

Photo source: MG (HS), BYD (Dolphin Surf) & Nissan (Leaf).

Greece Top 50 Models: 2025 (Jan-Oct)

Registrations were up 11% in October and 4% YTD. This is a good year economically, which is being reflected in car sales. 

Toyota has 15.5% market share and comfortably the leading brand. Japanese models are highlighted in pink and do well at the top of the Top 50 while in fact they have just 12 models listed, the majority Toyotas. 

Europe has 29 models with Peugeot the most successful brand from that region. Opel too is a popular brand.

The two other regions (countries) are Korea (6 models) and the US (3). 

Data source: SEAA. 

Photos: Toyota (Yaris) & Nissan (Qashqai).

Brands From China In Singapore : 2025 (Jan -Oct)

The chart to the right shows sales of brands that are based in China. Rk is where they rank compared to all brands, MS is market share and +/- shows increases compared to 12 months of 2024. 

BYD has raced to the top of the market, In 2021 it was the 31st most popular brand and now well ahead of the others and has 20% of the market. It has left Toyota/Lexus in its wake, which is not something that happens.  

No other brand is in the top 10 but those increases in the +/- column indicate that could soon change. The n/a means they are new in 2025. It's like a swarm of locusts. 

With 30% of total sales now taken and done so quickly that the sky is the limit. Looking at the other brands, they all seem to have been affected. 

For others in the series: Australia, New Zealand, Australia, The UK.

Data source: LTA Singapore.

Photos: BYD (Seal) & GAC (Aion V). 

Brazil Top 50 Models: 2025 (Jan-Oct)

Registrations for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were down 1% in October but up 3% YTD. That is very stable data. 

Looking down the list, the mixture of colours shows the diversity of the market. Not having a local brand to support adds to that. 

Europe is strong but so too is the USA and increasingly China. Japan is not far off the pace but apart from two models, Korea is not represented. 

The leading model is the Fiat Strada, which is a small leisure vehicle/pick uptruck. The VW Polo and Chevrolet Onix are tussling it out for second the spot.

Brazil has recently increased tariffs on imported electric cars, designed to encourage local assembly. I could see that being advantageous for some other countries to do something similar.

Data source: Fenebrave.

Photos: Fiat (Strada) & GM (Onix) Brasil. 

An Entitled Workforce

My grandfather worked his way up in a company to management level in the UK. Having been a worker and in management, he had a perspective on both sides, yet he would often say "The working man's enemy is the working man himself". 

JLR has recently had to contend with tariffs put in place in its largest market. It was more recently hit by a cyber attack that really hurt the company financially. You would think common sense would prevail and the current situation JLR is facing would temper wage increase expectations. 

A pay offer has just been submitted by the company and the trade unions recommended its acceptance. 7,724 workers rejected the offer, with 2,129 accepting it. This is a short sighted, self centred reaction from the majority of the workers. 

I recently wrote an article on the subject generally, which can be read by clicking here. So back to the negotiating table. I would have thought the best thing for JLR would now be to start planning to move all its production off shore. They could make vehicles just about anywhere else at a lower cost. 

The industry is facing increased competition and JLR is under pressure like many other car makers. A shout out to the trade unions for showing some common sense, and the 2,129 workers who are seeing the bigger picture. As for the rest, you are your own worst enemy. 

Brands From China In NZ : 2025 (Jan -Oct)

New Zealand has an open car market so any brand can set up shop here. Chinese brands have been arriving, with local car magazine NZ Autocar having many articles about all these new models that are coming in. This article here covers passenger cars only, not light commercial vehicles which would add a few more brands. 

The question is just how successful will this new wave of Chinese entrants be? 

Apart from a few brand names, they are unfamiliar although that doesn't appear to be an issue for some punters. One thing they offer is value for money and that will be enough for such ones to take the plunge. Long warranties help too.

Others with a more cautious approach will stick to the brands they already know and trust. I am of this persuasion. It's a lot of money to take any risk on.

The chart shows what the current situation is. Those listed come to 10,300 registrations and 12.7% of the total sales YTD. The Rk number is where they are on the chart with all brands included.

The top ranked brand is MG, which started selling in reasonable numbers back in 2019 and is currently sitting in 7th place. Its market share is up 23% on its total 2024 figure.

Haval's break out year was 2018 and it holds 10th spot with a 10% market share gain and 4.3% market share. Ora arrived in 2023 but the rest were either 2024 or this year, n/a shows the 2025 arrivals.

For now, it seems that Chinese brands will not be knocking off the top brands. They will take some sales from them, but will take many from each other as well. Dealerships will spread further across the country which is an important part of maximising sales, improving brand visibility and a more comprehensive customer support network. All that helps a brand's image.

Several more brands will soon be here, creating a congested market place for what is a overall a modestly sized market. Some suggest there will be casualties, be that the new Chinese brands or some existing ones from elsewhere. 

Who survives would depend largely on whether importers can make a profit and feel the effort is worth it. What is certain is Kiwis are spoiled for choice when contemplating buying a new car.

For others in the series: Australia, France, Singapore. The UK.

Data source: NZTA. Photo source: BYD (Sealion 6) top & Chery (Tiggo 8) below.

France Top 50 Models: 2025 (Jan-Oct)

Passenger car sales were up 2.9% in October but down 5.4% YTD. Hybrid market share has gone from 41% to 51% of the total, with electric cars up from 17% to 19% share. 

In October Stellantis and Group Renault both have 26% market penetration. YTD it is 29% and 27% respectively.

To the right we have the usual colour coded chart showing the best selling passenger car models and which region they are associated with.

There is no surprise that French brands and those owned by them are doing well. In addition, both the Yaris and Yaris Cross are also made in France. 

Data source: CCFA.

Photo source: Citroen (ë-C3) & Nissan (Qashqai) France.

NZ Top 31 Premium Models : 2025 (Q1-Q3)

Top lists are dominated by mainstream models and premium models rarely get a look in. In New Zealand, premium tend to be more premium than say Europe, with more kit included as standard. Well. that's what we are told to justify charging more.

To the right we see a colour coded chart based on brand origin. We will briefly look at each. USA has the top model with the Tesla Model Y. Is it really premium? It is generally considered so. Two Tesla models in the top ten.

The Ram P/U and Chervolet Silverado are included here. With right hand drive conversion cost and reasonable specification, I have added them.

Europe is finally in its element. Twenty three models in all. Having said that, the data source has a classification of BMW i which I assume covers all electric models combined as one model.

I was surprised to see the Polestar 2 second. Land Rover has three in the list, doing better than they would in the UK.

Japan has four Lexus models here, all in the top half of the chart. I view them as Toyota's with some bling which at least imbues them with a reputation of reliability.

Data source: NZTA. Photos Land Rover & MINI. 

BMW Brand Global Deliveries : 2023-25 (Q1-Q3)

BMW is a marque that puts emphasis on performance. A BMW advertiseing executive even coined the phrase "The ultimate driving machine". I've never driven one to prove that, but at least I can check out the sales performance.

BMW currently delivers about 2.2 million cars each year. The last time the figure was below 2 million was 2015. It seems 2025 will again pass that mark and comfortably so.

Regions: These figures include MINI and RR as BMW release them that way. That explains why the total figures are different. 

Europe is the largest region and is up 9%. Asia has been the leading are for deliveries since 2020 but now a change at the top.

Asia is still prominent and the next largest region, down 8% with China within that region predictably 11% lower. The Americas is up 10% and 'Others' up 13%.

Rolls Royce Global Deliveries : 2023-25 (Q1-Q3)

The name Rolls Royce is often attached to something that is the best quality you can obtain. The cars are known for exceptional craftsmanship, prestige and engineering. 

Deliveries were often around the thousand mark until 2010, when they took an upward turn. They peaked in 2022 and 2023 at 6,000 and slipped back to 5,700 in 2024. 

2025 is going well and depending on Q4, should reach or exceed last year. Not that volume is the thing for RR. Customer demand will dictate the number made. 

Regional sales are not provided by the owner BMW. I'm assuming China is down and was the reason for 2024's slightly lower figure. 

BMW MINI Global Deliveries : 2023-25 (Q1-Q3)

Retro models rarely last too long. An initial flurry and then it's over. The MINI has lasted very well and still sells strongly. In an industry where models grow with each new generation has been less successful. 

MINI hit 300,000 deliveries in 2012 and stayed above that until 2022 when it slipped just below. 2023 did likewise and then a drop in 2024, one that you have to go back to 2010 to see it lower. 

Was the grim reaper sharpening his scythe? No. The fourth generation has arrived and sales are going up, but not to the heights it has achieved in the past. It is still a popular car that's fun to drive.

BMW doesn't post regional sales for MINI. Europe and North America are major destinations for shipments. I don't know how the US's tariffs are going to affect sales there. For now, at least, 2025 is looking much better than the year before. 

Bentley Global Deliveries : 2024-25 (Q1-Q3)

Bentley cars have always been and still are known as high-performance, luxury vehicles that are well-crafted, powerful but still retaining a classic elegance. I should have a job at Bentley's media centre. 

After years of exceptional growth, the last couple of years have seen reduced volumes. The heights they reached were probably not sustainable and the current levels are.

After nine consecutive quarters of a reduced number of deliveries, Q3 2025 saw a healthy 24% increase on what was an admittedly poor Q3 2024. Predictions about Q4 2025 sales are difficult with global economic uncertainties but Q4 is usually good for the marque.

Bentley does anticipate a sales increase due to the release of redesigned, high-performance hybrid models of the Continental GT and Flying Spur. However, the current and future focus is on "value over volume".

Models: Continental GT deliveries were 3,356 (+14%), the Bentayga was 2,767 (-20%) and the Flying Spur 1,770 (-18%). The Continental GT contributed 42.5% of the total, the Bentayga 35% and the Flying Spur 22.5%. 

Regions: Europe is the big improver here, up from 23% to 31%. The USA is slightly down but now below Europe. China is off by nearly a quarter and 'Others' are -16%. 

Data source: Audi. Photo source: Bentley. 

Lamborghini Global Deliveries : 2024-25 (Q1-Q3)

Things are going well for Lamborghini. Up 10% in 2023, up 6% in 2024. Down so far in 2025 by 3% but in the current climate a good result. 

Looking to the chart to the right, we see the last two years in quarters. The only negative would be the trend downward over the last two quarters. 

Light at the end of the tunnel could be that Q4 2024 wasn't that strong. We will have to wait and see. 

Models: Urus deliveries were 5,679 (+15%), Revuelto was 1,520 (+8%), Temerario 83 (+69%) and the Huracán just 4 (-99.9%). The Urus contributed 78% of the total. 

Regions: Europe has moved up to 40% of total deliveries. The US and China are both well down which brought the total into negative territory.

I've never really understood the popularity of the marque. Clearly, many see it differently. It certainly has a uniqueness of overstated styling although the new Temerario (photo below) looks more conservative. 

China is one place where Lamborghini isn't that popular. Not a bad thing, as China is increasingly difficult for many overseas brands. 

Data source: Audi. Photo source: Lamborghini.