Zhong Guo Zheng Quan Bao·2026-02-02 23:03Core Insights - The automotive market in January 2026 shows a clear distinction between traditional domestic brands, which are performing strongly, and new energy vehicle (NEV) startups, which are facing challenges [1][5] Traditional Domestic Brands Performance - Major traditional automakers like SAIC, Geely, and Chery reported over 20% year-on-year sales growth in January 2026, with SAIC leading the market [2][3] - SAIC sold 327,400 vehicles in January, a 23.9% increase year-on-year, with 214,000 units from its own brands, marking a 39.6% increase [2] - Geely's sales reached 270,200 units, a 1% year-on-year increase, with NEV sales contributing significantly [2] - Chery's sales totaled 200,300 units, with exports accounting for 119,600 units, a 48.1% increase year-on-year [3] - GAC Group saw a significant increase in sales, reaching 116,600 units, up 18.47% year-on-year, driven by its new energy and overseas sales [3] New Energy Vehicle Startups Challenges - In contrast, nine major NEV startups experienced a collective decline in sales, with month-on-month drops ranging from 21.2% to 47.0% [5][6] - Despite the downturn, some brands like NIO and Zeekr reported year-on-year growth exceeding 95% [6][7] - The decline in NEV sales is attributed to short-term factors such as policy changes and seasonal demand fluctuations [6][7] - The market is expected to stabilize post-policy transition, with a potential recovery in sales anticipated in February and March 2026 [7] Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The automotive industry is witnessing a restructuring of brand rankings, with traditional brands solidifying their positions while new entrants face increasing competition [1][5] - The long-term growth logic of the NEV sector remains intact, with expectations for a gradual recovery as new products are launched and market conditions improve [7]