Car sales in China rose by 6.6% in September, driven by increasing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). This growth is attributed to strong demand ahead of the expiration of economic recovery support programs.
Total private car sales reached 2.27 million units, compared to a 4.9% increase in August. Electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for 57.2% of the market, with their sales rising by 15.5%, more than doubling the growth rate recorded in the previous month.
This period is known as the “Golden September,” typically witnessing peak annual activity for manufacturers due to new launches and returning buyers after the summer holiday.
Subsidized replacement programs have bolstered sales throughout the year, but several regions, including Jiangsu and Guangxi, have suspended their assistance due to budget shortages, with Wenzhou and Hangzhou likely to follow soon.
CPCA also noted an increase in dealer inventory from 2.6 to 3.04 million vehicles by the end of September. The association’s Secretary-General, Cui Dongshu, called for additional support measures to avoid an imbalance between production and demand.
On the international front, Chinese car exports continued to grow, rising by 20.7% year-on-year, underscoring the sector’s strength abroad despite a stable domestic market.
