The Chinese mainland's auto market continued its strong momentum in April 2025, with retail sales of passenger vehicles reaching 1.7 million units, a year-on-year increase of 14.5 percent. This marks one of the highest April growth rates in a decade, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).
The most striking shift comes from new energy vehicles (NEVs). In April alone, NEV retail sales soared to 905,000 units, up 33.9 percent year-on-year, pushing electric vehicles past the halfway mark with a 51.5 percent penetration rate. Policy incentives like tax exemptions and nationwide replacement programs have turbocharged this trend.
Domestic automakers are leading the charge: BYD, Geely, Chery and Changan collectively account for a 72.8 percent NEV penetration rate. These brands are not only capturing market share but also building loyalty through competitive pricing, advanced battery technology and expanding charging networks.
For young consumers and tech enthusiasts, the rise of EVs in the Chinese mainland represents more than just a shift in wheels—it’s a sign of how policy, sustainability goals and digital innovation are reshaping the global auto industry. As the market accelerates, all eyes will be on how legacy automakers and startups adapt to this fast lane of electrification.
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China's auto market sees strong growth amid shifting consumer trends
cgtn.com
