In November, Wuling, BYD, and Geely dominated China’s NEV market, despite declining sales for many models.
In November, China’s small new-energy vehicle (NEV) market remained firmly dominated by Wuling, BYD and Geely.
From a model perspective, vehicles such as the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV, Geely Xingyuan, BYD Seagull and Dolphin continued to secure stable positions within the Top 10 rankings.
However, in terms of sales performance, nearly half of the models on the list posted month-on-month declines, with only the Wuling Bingo S, BYD Dolphin and MG4 recording growth.
One of the most notable fluctuations came from the Changan Lumin, which sold more than 20,000 units in October but saw deliveries fall to just 11,744 units in November.
Outside the Top 10, the Leapmotor Lafa5 gained traction rapidly following its launch, posting November sales of 7,397 units.
Meanwhile, the Leapmotor A10, which made its debut at the Auto Guangzhou 2025, and the GWM Ora 5 are both gearing up for market entry, injecting fresh momentum into China’s small NEV segment.
Given sufficient time, Leapmotor could potentially secure a place in China’s Top 10 small NEV rankings.
So which models emerged as winners in China’s small NEV market this November? Below is a closer look.
No. 1 Wuling Hongguang MINIEV: 56,756 units
After briefly surpassing 60,000 units, Hongguang MINIEV sales retreated in November to 56,756 units, down about 7.7% month on month.
Despite slower growth compared with the previous two months, the model retained its position at the top of China’s small NEV rankings.
SAIC-GM-Wuling reported total NEV sales of 118,729 units in November, with “Silver Label” models contributing 93,866 units.
The Hongguang MINIEV family accounted for nearly 50% of that volume, continuing to serve as the brand’s primary sales pillar.
Compared with A00-segment rivals such as the Changan Lumin and Geely Panda, the four-door version of the Hongguang MINIEV introduced in February offers improved practicality. Combined with its accessible pricing, this has supported sustained demand.
In November, Wuling launched a four-door long-range variant with a 301 km range and DC fast-charging capability. After trade-in subsidies, pricing starts at RMB 52,800 ($7,392).
The latest MIIT filing has also revealed the 2026 Hongguang MINIEV, featuring revised front-end styling, dual- and four-door options, and two-tone exterior designs. An official launch timeline has yet to be announced.
No. 2 Geely Xingyuan: 42,038 units
Geely Xingyuan posted November sales of 42,038 units, down about 4.9% month on month, marking its second consecutive decline since September.
While last month’s dip may have been linked to the rollout of the 2026 model year, continued weakness in November appears increasingly tied to intensifying competition.
New entrants such as the Arcfox T1 and Leapmotor Lafa5 have drawn market attention, with the latter delivering 7,397 units in November and ranking sixth among compact NEVs, highlighting strong upside potential.
Official data show Xingyuan has surpassed 400,000 cumulative sales within one year of launch, underscoring its blockbuster status. However, as competition escalates, Geely may need to adopt more aggressive countermeasures.
No. 3 BYD Seagull: 21,807 units
BYD Seagull continued to search for momentum in November, selling 21,807 units, down approximately 11.7% month on month, extending its downward trend.
Despite the decline, Seagull remains one of BYD’s best-selling models in 2025, with cumulative sales of 484,910 units from January to November, second only to the Qin family at 600,423 units.
Notably, Seagull performed strongly overseas, delivering 36,000 units abroad in November, making it one of BYD’s top export models. From January to November 2025, cumulative exports exceeded 150,000 units.
Against a backdrop of softening domestic demand for small NEVs, overseas expansion may represent a more viable growth strategy.
No. 4 Wuling Bingo S: 17,959 units
After climbing rapidly to fifth place in October, the Wuling Bingo S delivered an even stronger performance in November, selling 17,959 units, up about 4.1% month on month.
Compared with the standard Bingo, the Bingo S offers larger dimensions, more interior space, stronger power output and a higher-capacity battery, expanding its usability for small families.
As a direct rival to Geely Xingyuan, the Bingo S offers superior powertrain specifications in its entry-level variants.
However, with Xingyuan exceeding 400,000 cumulative sales in one year, the Bingo S—still benefiting from its launch window—has considerable room for growth.
Whether this momentum can be sustained into December and 2026 will depend on market response.
No. 5 BYD Dolphin: 17,320 units
Following a pullback in October, BYD Dolphin rebounded in November with sales of 17,320 units, up approximately 6.9% month on month.
According to BYD, Dolphin reached the one-million-unit cumulative sales milestone in early December, becoming the fastest A0-segment sedan in China to do so.
The model also delivered solid overseas results, with November exports totaling 30,971 units, accounting for about 13.2% of BYD Ocean Network’s overseas sales of 233,431 units.
Supply-related disruptions reportedly reduced deliveries in Brazil by nearly 1,000 units month on month, though volumes are expected to recover in December.
BYD is also expected to introduce a Dolphin DM-i variant tailored for the UK market by early 2026, potentially further boosting overseas performance.
No. 6 Geely Panda Mini: 17,301 units
Geely Panda Mini recorded November sales of 17,301 units, representing a month-on-month increase of about 11.3%.
Dealer discounts played a key role, with the 2025 210 km Panda Mini Yuanqi Panda variant priced as low as RMB 39,900 ($5,586) on the Dongchedi platform.
In November, Geely also launched the 2025 Panda Karting and Panda Knight editions, featuring a 17.03 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, a CLTC-rated range of 210 km, and 22 kW DC fast charging.
For urban commuter vehicles, core hardware specifications remain the primary purchase driver, while customization packages serve largely as incremental enhancements.
No. 7 Arcfox T1: 14,162 units
In its third full month of deliveries, the Arcfox T1 sold 14,162 units in November, down about 5.9% month on month.
Priced between RMB 62,800 and RMB 87,800 ($8,792–$12,292), the T1 offers a 425 km range, a 15.6-inch central display, a 95 kW motor, heat-pump air conditioning, and larger overall dimensions than the Bingo S.
Across the Arcfox brand, November sales reached 25,394 units, up 128.32% year on year, with the T1 accounting for more than 55% of total volume.
From January to November 2025, cumulative Arcfox sales reached 136,592 units, up 97.99% year on year.
Sustained strength from the T1 is expected to significantly support the brand’s overall performance.
No. 8 SAIC MG4: 13,574 units
SAIC MG delivered 13,574 units of the MG4 in November, marking its third consecutive month above 10,000 units and a month-on-month increase of about 18.2%. The model climbed from tenth place in October to eighth.
On November 21, SAIC announced at the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show that deliveries of the MG4 semi-solid-state battery variant had begun.
Priced at a limited-time RMB 99,800 ($13,972), it is currently among the most affordable semi-solid-state battery vehicles on the market.
MG4 plays a critical role within the MG brand lineup. SAIC MG delivered over 13,000 vehicles in November, with MG4 serving as the primary sales driver.
Reports indicate that the new MG4 has received more than 75,000 firm orders. A policy to cover non-customer-related purchase tax reductions for 2025 has been extended through December 28.
With deliveries of the semi-solid-state version ramping up, MG4 sales are expected to rise further in December.
No. 9 FAW Bestune Pony: 12,905 units
After briefly reaching a historical sales peak in October, Bestune Pony deliveries fell to 12,905 units in November.
FAW Bestune’s group-buying campaign ended on October 31, removing exclusive purchase vouchers worth RMB 1,666–21,888 ($233–$3,064), which likely dampened buying enthusiasm.
However, sales did not drop sharply following the campaign’s conclusion.
Even without special vouchers, the 2026 Bestune Pony is listed at RMB 29,900 ($4,186) on Dongchedi, and when combined with national subsidies of up to RMB 20,000 ($2,800), it remains attractive to buyers seeking a basic commuter vehicle.
No. 10 Changan Lumin: 11,744 units
The most volatile performer within the November Top 10 was the Changan Lumin, which sold 11,744 units, down 8,776 units from October.
Its ranking fell from fourth place in October to tenth, making it the steepest decliner on Dongchedi’s sales drop chart.
Changan introduced the “Treasure Edition” in late October, offering up to 301 km of range with limited-time pricing between RMB 47,900 and RMB 55,900 ($6,706–$7,826). So far, the new variant has delivered only modest sales stimulus.
Competition in the sub-RMB 100,000 ($14,000) small NEV segment remains intense, with models such as the Wuling MINIEV continuing to exert pressure.
Meanwhile, Changan is also pursuing overseas expansion. In November, the Lumin debuted at the Jakarta Auto Show alongside the Deepal S07, with plans to establish five dealerships by year-end to alleviate domestic sales pressure.
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