China Auto Sales Drop 28.1% for 12th Straight Month While Exports Surge 73.2% in September

1.63 million passenger vehicles were sold in China in September 2026. That figure marks a 28.1% year-on-year decline, extending the downturn to a twelfth consecutive month in the world's largest automotive market. Major brands including Toyota and Chery are feeling the squeeze.

Domestic Pressure Mounts on BYD and Geely

Weakening local demand, slowing consumer spending. The ongoing real estate crisis are weighing heavily on China's auto market. Haval and other domestic manufacturers now lean more than ever on overseas markets to sustain growth. August's decline stood at 23.7%, meaning the crisis deepens month after month.

Exports: 923,000 Vehicles in a Single Month

The export picture tells a completely different story. MG and other Chinese brands posted a 73.2% jump in vehicle exports during September, reaching 923,000 units. Foreign demand has become the lifeline for Chinese automakers.

EVs and Hybrids: Falling Domestically, Soaring Abroad

1.08 million new energy vehicles were sold locally in September, down 16.7% year-on-year. The BYD Seagull and Tesla Model Y face fierce competition inside China. Meanwhile, NEV exports surged 163.5% in September, up from 154% growth in August.

This sharp divergence between domestic sales and exports reflects a structural shift in Chinese automakers' strategy. Local competition is brutal, sales are shrinking, and producers are pivoting to exports. Changan and Jetour are expanding their global footprint in search of new opportunities. Overseas markets have shifted from a secondary option to a core pillar.

The gap between domestic and export performance keeps widening. Shipments of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and Geely Coolray continue to grow at a strong pace despite the slump inside China. Chinese manufacturers are leveraging foreign demand to offset the contraction at home.