The Chinese passenger automobile market has been enduring growing competition as automobile prices continue to fall and consumer incomes keep increasing. As a result, consumers are moving from compact cars to other vehicles. According to statistics compiled by Gasgoo.com (Chinese), a total of 142,278 compact sedans were sold in April, 12.9% less than the 163,423 units sold last April.
The compact sedan segment which saw its sales fall the greatest amount in April was domestic own brand automobiles. Sales of own brand compact sedans fell 32.1% from the 54,100 units sold last April to the 36,800 units sold this April. Own brands’ share in the compact sedan market decreased to 25.8%, being surpassed by the 27.8% controlled by Japanese manufacturers.
A total of 39,500 Japanese compact sedans were sold in April, making Japanese manufacturers the most successful companies in the segment. The Honda Fit was the best performing model in the segment, with its monthly sales of 9,468 units over five times the amount sold the previous April. However many other Japanese models suffered negative year-on-year sales growth.
American compact sedan sales also fell, with only 17,000 units sold during the month of April. By comparison, sales of Korean and German compact sedans. The former benefited from the strong performances of the Hyundai Accent and Kia K2.
The Hyundai Accent Verna was the best-selling compact sedan in April, followed by the Chevrolet New Sail, VW Polo, Kia K2, Toyota Vios, Honda Fit, Changan Yuexiang, Toyota Yaris, Geely MK and Changan CX20.
April sales of the Accent Verna totaled 19,092 units, representing year-on-year growth of 7.8%. By comparison, the number two best seller, the New Sail, saw its sales fall 26.3%. Sales of the Polo, K2 and Vios all exceeded the 10,000 mark. The Polo was particularly successful, posting sales growth of over 650%.
The Honda Fit’s performance was also very successful. Its April sales of 9,468 units, up 578.7% from last April.
Only three domestic own brand automobiles made the top ten sales chart this month: the Changan Yuexiang, Changan CX20 and Geely MK. Sales of the Yuexiang grew a full 69.1%, while those of the CX20 increased 15%. By comparison, sales of the Geely MK fell 11.5%, totaling 5,074 units.
