2016 Best Selling Passenger Cars In China (All Models Ranked)
Chinese passenger car sales in 2016 reflected a dynamic and rapidly evolving market. China was, and remains, the world’s largest car market. Despite concerns about the country’s economic growth slowing down, passenger car sales experienced significant growth in 2016. The central government’s decision to halve the sales tax on cars with engines of 1.6 liters or less provided a substantial boost to the market.
The SUV segment saw explosive growth. Chinese consumers showed a marked preference for SUVs over sedans, driven by factors such as a perception of higher safety, better road presence, and a desire for spacious vehicles. There was a growing interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids. The Chinese government provided various incentives, like subsidies and free license plates, to promote the adoption of NEVs. This led to a surge in both domestic EV start-ups and established automakers venturing into this space.