Europe and the U.S. Gain, Japan Declines: Russian Market Defies Global Automotive Trend

According to GlobalData, worldwide sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles increased in July 2025, reaching 7.41 million units — up 5.5% year-on-year. From January through July, total sales climbed to 51.83 million units, representing a 4.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

China remains the world’s largest market, with nearly 2 million vehicles sold in July alone (+9.2% YoY). The United States also posted solid growth, delivering 1.4 million vehicles (+8.6%). Western Europe recorded combined sales of 1.09 million units (+3.6%), while Eastern Europe grew by 3.7% to 389,900 units.

South America showed even stronger momentum, adding 7.9% with 288,800 vehicles sold. Japan, however, moved in the opposite direction, with sales down 3.6% to 387,200 units. Modest gains were also seen in Canada (+1.3%) and South Korea (+6.4%).

Overall, the global automotive market continues to post positive results, largely driven by China, the U.S., and Europe. Still, Japan’s decline underlines that not all regions follow the same trajectory. Analysts expect growth to remain moderate but steady through the end of 2025, with full-year sales set to surpass last year’s total.