4. BYD F3
Shenzhen-based BYD Auto, a subsidiary of a Chinese company that makes cell-phone batteries, has been around only since 2003, but its F3 sedan, which is powered by an engine made by Japan's Mitsubishi and sells for about $13,000, has been a big hit. In December, BYD began selling the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid vehicle, the BYD F3DM. (U.S. No. 4: Honda Accord.)

• China's Auto Bailout Takes a Different Route