On January 6, reports emerged indicating that the race to claim China’s title of "Premier Auto City" in 2025 is intensifying. With the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector and adjustments to statistical benchmarks, traditional automotive manufacturing powerhouses are grappling with transformation pressures. Meanwhile, emerging cities are rapidly gaining ground by capitalizing on their unique competitive strengths. At present, Chongqing’s annual vehicle production is nearing 2.5 million units, securing its lead in overall output volume. In contrast, Hefei has surged ahead in the NEV-specific category, with production exceeding 1.2 million units, cementing its position as the nation’s top producer in this segment.
