On July 29, the 2026 Fortune Global 500 list was released, featuring ten Chinese companies involved in the manufacture of automobiles and auto parts.
This group included eight automakers—such as BYD and SAIC—and two auto parts manufacturers, including CATL. Data shows that CATL topped the list with a profit margin of 17%—more than 11 times the average margin of the eight automakers—while its 2025 net profit of $10 billion was equivalent to the combined net profit of four automakers: BYD, Chery, FAW, and SAIC.
Image: Grok
In the first half of 2026, CATL saw growth in both revenue and profit, whereas many automakers faced operational pressures. During the same period, the domestic automotive industry’s total profit fell by 20% year-on-year, and the sector’s profit margin trailed the average seen in related industries.
This year, Chery made its debut on the list as an independent, publicly traded company. Overseas revenue accounted for nearly 40% of BYD’s total revenue, and its sales of new energy vehicles topped global rankings.
Profitability levels among automakers varied: Chery led the segment with a 6.3% margin, followed by BYD at 4.1%.
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