In 2025, Qingdao's vehicle production surpassed 1.02 million units, rising 44.1 percent from the previous year, with an output value exceeding 100 billion yuan ($14.4 billion). The added value of the automotive manufacturing industry grew 25.9 percent, contributing significantly to the city's industrial growth.

New energy vehicles (NEVs) made a strong impact, with production reaching 422,000 units — a remarkable 242.3 percent increase — accounting for 41.3 percent of the city's total vehicle output and 38.2 percent of Shandong province's NEV production.

Over the past year, automakers have expanded and upgraded their NEV operations in Qingdao, accelerating the city's shift from quantity to quality in the new energy sector.

Major automakers are broadening their NEV operations in Qingdao. SAIC-GM-Wuling's Qingdao branch, in operation since 2005, has developed a comprehensive NEV industry value chain in the Qingdao West Coast New Area, producing 499,000 vehicles in 2025 — including 302,000 NEVs. Meanwhile, FAW-Volkswagen's East China base in Qingdao's Jimo district has begun producing and exporting hybrid battery packs, marking a breakthrough in core NEV components.

To strengthen local supply chains, Qingdao is actively promoting industrial clustering. For example, Pingdu now hosts over 50 key auto parts enterprises with an annual output value exceeding 7 billion yuan, supplying components from NEV chassis to battery parts and high-temperature castings.

In 2025, Qingdao's vehicle production surpasses 1.02 million units, rising 44.1 percent year-on-year. [Photo/Guanhai News]