Commercial Vehicles and Exports Support the January 2026 Auto Market

[Market Dynamics] Strong growth in commercial vehicle production and sales, along with robust auto exports, became the main pillars supporting China's automotive industry in January 2026.

Key Trend: Commercial Vehicles and Exports Rise Against the Tide

Commercial vehicles recorded production and sales of 388,000 and 359,000 units in January, up 29.9% and 23.5% year-over-year, respectively. Auto exports reached 681,000 units, a 44.9% year-over-year increase, including 302,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs), which surged by over 100% year-over-year.

Key Metrics: NEV Penetration Reaches 40.3%

January NEV sales totaled 945,000 units, accounting for 40.3% of total new vehicle sales. Despite an overall decline in domestic passenger vehicle sales, Chinese brands still captured 66.9% of the market share.

Industry Impact: Weak Domestic Demand Accelerates Structural Transformation

Domestic passenger vehicle sales declined by 19.5% year-over-year, with both NEVs and internal combustion engine vehicles under pressure. The industry is accelerating its shift toward exports and commercial segments to seek new growth opportunities.