2019 China Automotive Sales Data & Reports Hub 

2019 continued the trajectory of transformation for China's automotive sector. The Chinese auto market faced a second consecutive year of sales decline in 2019. Economic challenges, including lingering trade tensions with the U.S., impacted consumer confidence and spending power, resulting in reduced demand for new vehicles. After years of impressive growth, NEV sales faced a slowdown in 2019. A significant reason was the government's decision to slash subsidies for NEVs. While this was in line with a long-term plan to make the sector self-sustainable, the immediate effect was a drop in sales. China introduced stricter emission standards (China VI) ahead of schedule in certain regions, impacting sales as automakers and consumers adapted. This move was part of China's broader initiative to combat air pollution and promote greener mobility. Foreign automakers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, and Toyota, ramped up their investments and initiatives in China. Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory began production in 2019, highlighting China's significance in the global EV market. Despite the overall sales slump, there was an increasing demand for premium and luxury vehicles. Brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz experienced growth, signaling a shift in consumer preferences towards high-quality, feature-rich vehicles. In the face of a challenging market, automakers and dealerships started to innovate in sales strategies. Online platforms, digital showrooms, and e-commerce integrations became more prominent, offering consumers a more convenient and modern car-buying experience. In response to the declining sales, the Chinese government announced various measures to revive the automotive market. These included incentives for rural residents to buy cars and easing restrictions on car purchases in certain cities.