- Chinese Cars Now Hold 16% of the Saudi Arabian Car Market
- Chinese Brand Sales Breakdown in KSA
- Jetour Leads Chinese Brands in KSA
- BYD and Jaecoo: New Entrants Making an Impact
- KSA vs UAE: A Tale of Two Markets
- Conclusion
Chinese Cars Now Hold 16% of the Saudi Arabian Car Market
According to Cartea's May sales data, Chinese automotive brands have captured 16.0% of the Saudi Arabian new car market, up from 12.2% in May 2024. This represents a significant milestone in the world's largest automotive market in the GCC region.
Chinese Brand Sales Breakdown in KSA
With 45,338 total units sold in May, Chinese brands accounted for approximately 7,254 units. Jetour leads with 26.2% of Chinese brand share (1,902 units), driven by the Jetour T2 (853 units) and Jetour X70 Plus (853 units). Changan follows at 23.7% (1,573 units), led by the Changan CS75 Plus (676 units). Haval holds 14.3% (939 units), MG 13.1% (964 units, led by the MG 5 with 533 units), BYD 7.0% (506 units), Geely 4.2% (308 units), Chery 3.8% (334 units), Tank 3.2%, JAC 2.9%, and Jaecoo 1.7% (333 units).
Jetour Leads Chinese Brands in KSA
Jetour's 1,902 units placed it seventh overall among all brands in Saudi Arabia. The Jetour T2 and Jetour X70 Plus each sold 853 units, demonstrating that Chinese brands can compete across multiple segments simultaneously. The T2's bold SUV design and the X70 Plus's 7-seat capability address key Saudi buyer needs.
BYD and Jaecoo: New Entrants Making an Impact
BYD entered the KSA market with 506 units, immediately capturing 7.0% of Chinese brand sales with models like the BYD Song Plus and BYD Atto 3. Jaecoo, Chery's premium sub-brand, also entered with 333 units, targeting the premium compact SUV segment with the Jaecoo J7.
KSA vs UAE: A Tale of Two Markets
While Chinese brands hold 33.1% in the UAE, they have reached 16.0% in KSA. The difference reflects the KSA market's stronger attachment to Japanese brands (Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki) and the larger proportion of budget-conscious buyers who prioritize proven reliability. However, the growth trajectory is similar, and KSA's larger market size means that 16% represents approximately 7,254 monthly units.
Conclusion
Chinese cars are rapidly gaining ground in Saudi Arabia, growing from 12.2% to 16.0% market share in just one year. With Jetour leading the charge and BYD entering the EV segment, Chinese brands are poised for continued growth in the Kingdom.
