Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2026-02-12 12:05Core Viewpoint - The retail sales of passenger cars in China experienced a significant decline in January 2026, with a total of approximately 1.544 million units sold, representing a year-on-year decrease of 13.9% [1][2]. Retail Performance - In January 2026, retail sales for different vehicle categories were as follows: sedans at 622,000 units (down 24.7%), MPVs at 79,000 units (up 1.0%), SUVs at 843,000 units (down 5.2%), and microvans at 14,000 units (up 2.5%) [2]. - The total retail sales for narrow passenger vehicles were 1.544 million units, down 13.9% compared to the same month last year [2]. Market Analysis - The decline in the passenger car market is viewed as a short-term fluctuation rather than a long-term trend, attributed to the expiration of the new energy vehicle purchase tax exemption policy at the end of 2025 [3]. - The market is expected to face a low point in February 2026 due to the post-holiday consumption slowdown, which may help alleviate retail inventory pressure [3]. Brand Performance - In January 2026, retail sales for domestic brands were 890,000 units (down 18%), while mainstream joint venture brands sold 470,000 units (down 4%), and luxury vehicles sold 180,000 units (down 15%) [4]. - Major domestic brands like Geely, BYD, Changan, and Chery saw significant declines in retail sales, with Geely down 12.6%, BYD down 53%, Changan down 33.5%, and Chery down 41% [4][6]. Joint Venture Brands - Joint venture brands showed relatively stable performance, with FAW-Volkswagen down 3.5%, SAIC Volkswagen down 9.3%, and BMW Brilliance down 3.9% [6]. - Some joint venture brands, such as FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota, experienced year-on-year growth of 8.3% and 0.3%, respectively [6]. New Energy Vehicle Market - In January 2026, retail sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) were 596,000 units, down 20% year-on-year, while wholesale sales were 864,000 units, down 3.3% [9]. - The A00-class pure electric vehicle segment saw a drastic decline, with wholesale sales dropping 62%, significantly impacting the overall performance of the new energy vehicle market [11]. Export Performance - New energy vehicles have become a major force in China's passenger car exports, with 139,000 units exported in January 2026, marking a year-on-year increase of 29.4% [13]. - The export of pure electric vehicles accounted for 66% of new energy vehicle exports, with A0 and A00-class vehicles making up 38% of the total new energy vehicle export volume [13]. Future Outlook - The market is expected to enter a recovery phase in February 2026, driven by the gradual implementation of vehicle replacement policies [16]. - However, rising costs due to increased prices of raw materials like lithium and copper may pressure automakers, potentially leading to cautious consumer behavior and affecting demand [16].