The contraction in China's auto market continued in May. According to data from the China Passenger Car Association, the volume of cars in the country dropped by 22.3% compared to the same period last year, falling to 1.53 million units.
This marks the eighth consecutive month of decline for the Chinese automotive sector. The total market volume for the first five months of the year also decreased by 19.7%, reaching 7.18 million vehicles.
Loss of momentum in electric vehicles
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for 62.2% of the total car market. However, deliveries in this segment fell by 7.5% year-on-year in May, marking the fifth consecutive month of decline.
Analysts point to weakening consumer confidence and reduced government incentives as factors suppressing domestic demand. The Chinese government aims for economic growth between 4.5% and 5% by the end of the year.
Domestic and foreign manufacturers seek new strategies
Eugene Hsiao, head of China equity strategy at Macquarie Capital, noted that vehicle ownership rates have already reached quite high levels for an emerging market. He assessed that the market, with an annual retail transaction volume of 23 to 25 million, has entered a maturation phase.
Experts expect the Chinese retail auto market to grow only in single digits over the next five to ten years. With the rise in electric vehicle usage, leading manufacturers are expected to outperform the sector average.
Some foreign manufacturers, including Volkswagen, are turning to developing domestic electric models to revitalize their operations in China. Companies are seeking ways to regain strength in an increasingly competitive market.
Exports partially offset domestic weakness
NIO CEO William Li highlighted the stagnation in the domestic market, stating that the local automotive industry has left its golden age behind. While NIO continues to focus on the domestic market, many competitors in the sector are shifting their growth strategies toward foreign markets.
In May, overall overseas shipment volume increased by 74.7% year-on-year. Cross-border operations in the electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle segment rose by 112.6% during the same period, partially compensating for the weakness in domestic sales.
This situation indicates that pressure on domestic demand in China's automotive sector persists, while export channels are becoming an increasingly important support line for companies.