Chinese automakers surpassed Japan in global new vehicle sales for the first time last year, claiming the top spot by country, according to the Nikkei. Japan had held the position since 2000. Chinese automakers achieved global new vehicle sales of approximately 27 million units last year, an increase of about 10% from the previous year. In contrast, Japanese sales fell slightly to 25 million units, sliding into second place. Among the world’s top 20 automakers by sales, six are Chinese companies. Shenzhen-based BYD, China’s largest automaker, grew about 8% to 4.6 million units, securing sixth place globally. In the electric vehicle segment, BYD overtook Tesla to claim the top position worldwide