Chinese cars gain ground in Serbia as BYD and Chery enter the top 10
Chinese car brands are rapidly expanding in Serbia, with BYD and Chery entering the top 10 as the country's new-car market continues to grow.
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Serbia's new-car market is undergoing one of its most significant changes in recent years. Chinese manufacturers, which until recently represented only a relatively small part of sales, are becoming serious competitors to established European, Japanese and Korean brands in 2026.
Chinese brands reach around 10% of the market
During the first four months of 2026, Chinese brands accounted for around 10% of new-car sales in Serbia. Their share was below 4% a year earlier, illustrating how quickly the structure of the Serbian automotive market is changing.
BYD and Chery are already in the top 10
Figures for the first half of 2026 provide further evidence of the trend. Serbia recorded 19,515 first registrations of new passenger cars during the six-month period, an increase of 18.47% compared with the same period a year earlier.
BYD recorded 772 new passenger-car registrations and climbed to seventh place among brands in Serbia. Chery also entered the top 10 with 724 registrations. Together, the two Chinese manufacturers accounted for almost 1,500 newly registered passenger cars in just six months.
Why are Chinese cars becoming more popular in Serbia?
Another important factor is the diversity of the model range. Chinese manufacturers in Serbia are no longer focused exclusively on electric vehicles. Petrol-powered cars, conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrids are also available, allowing the brands to appeal to buyers who are not yet ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle.
Škoda and Toyota remain ahead
Established manufacturers continue to lead the Serbian market. Škoda recorded 3,967 new passenger-car registrations during the first half of 2026, while Toyota registered 2,436. However, the speed at which BYD and Chery have entered the upper part of the ranking shows that competitive pressure is increasing.
What does this mean for car buyers in Serbia?
Greater competition could benefit Serbian consumers through more equipment for the money, stronger financing offers, longer warranties and more competitive pricing. Buyers considering a Chinese vehicle should still examine the availability of servicing and spare parts, warranty conditions, insurance costs and expected resale value.
If the current momentum continues, 2026 could become the year in which Chinese cars move decisively from a niche segment to a mainstream part of Serbia's automotive market. BYD and Chery have already made substantial progress, while the arrival of additional Chinese brands is giving Serbian buyers an increasingly broad range of alternatives.
