China's automotive market contracted sharply in April as geopolitical tensions weighed on consumer demand. Passenger vehicle sales plummeted 21.5% to 1.4 million units, the lowest April figure since 2022, with gasoline car deliveries collapsing by a third due to oil price shocks. Electric vehicle sales also declined 6.8%, failing to offset the broader weakness despite reaching over 60% market penetration. The contraction reflects deeper economic concerns as weakening consumer confidence, job losses, and falling wages dampened purchasing power. Auto-related consumption dropped to 7.8% of retail spending in the first quarter, marking a five-year low. Industry analysts warn this extended slump signals troubling weakness for China's economy, given that automobiles represent one of the largest household purchases after real estate. The first four months of 2025 show an 18.
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