Few things are more thrilling in this world than watching cars drive by. It is a kind of excitement only true car enthusiasts can understand. Seeing a variety of vehicles on the road, each a masterpiece of both human and machine, brings a unique sense of fascination and satisfaction.
One person, in particular, traveled to one of the busiest roads in China’s metropolis, Shanghai, to conduct a study of what they observed. They counted 1,000 cars on an overpass in one of the city’s busiest intersections, tallying them by country of origin and whether they were electric or not, as the city is considered to have one of the most competitive car markets in the world.
The conclusions from the YouTube channel Immersive China may surprise you and are sure to turn heads.
The Home Nation Dominates the Headlines
Shanghai’s roads revealed one key insight: diversification is still very much alive, with Immersive China spotting 83 different manufacturers. However, local brand Roewe dominated, with 171 cars counted in the city’s concrete jungle, most of which were used as taxis.
Chinese manufacturer BYD came in second, with 75 units observed. These two brands accounted for almost a quarter of the total, but China’s overall count reached 499 cars, signaling the country’s clear dominance in supplying vehicles from its home market.
Interestingly, German manufacturers ranked second with 191 cars, with Volkswagen recording the highest volume, followed closely by Mercedes, then BMW, and finally Audi and Porsche further down the list. Considering Shanghai’s wealth, the disparity among German automakers suggests that there isn’t a strong, loyal customer base in one of the world’s largest financial districts.
The United States ranked third, with 171 cars, led by Buick and Tesla, while Japanese manufacturers came fourth overall with 96 vehicles. Interest in other European brands was notably low, as models from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, France, and Czechia fell far short of Japan’s numbers. From a European perspective, Germany still reigns supreme.
EV vs ICE – Which Prevailed?
The most striking conclusion from this research is the rise of electric vehicles. Of the cars tallied, 59.2% were EVs, compared to 40.8% with internal combustion engines. China’s focus on sustainable vehicles is paying off, as consumers are adopting them in growing numbers like never before.
BYD has already overtaken U.S. rival Tesla in 2025, and these figures indicate that Chinese buyers prefer domestic options, even though a significant number of Teslas were still sold.
At the same time, Shanghai strikes a balance between electric vehicles, premium cars, and conventional ICE models. While the transition toward EVs is clear, tallying 83 different brands catering to diverse markets shows that consumer tastes remain varied.
Two-Wheels Are a Rarity
Compared to other major Asian cities, motorcycles are virtually absent from Shanghai’s highways. To control traffic, the city stopped issuing new motorcycle plates in 2008.
According to Immersive China, the cost of a yellow motorcycle plate is now around $70,000. The mammoth price has made motorcycles such a rarity on the city’s bustling roads. Obtaining a license is an extremely difficult process, requiring extensive documentation and approvals.
As a result, motorcycles have largely disappeared from daily traffic, and the policy has significantly shaped the way residents navigate the city. Today, electric scooters and public transport dominate short-distance travel, further reducing the need for traditional motorcycles.