According to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), retail sales in the national passenger car market for September 2025 reached 2.241 million units, a year-on-year increase of 6.3% and a month-on-month increase of 11.0%. Among them, sales of domestic brands amounted to 1.5 million units, a year-on-year increase of 13% and a month-on-month increase of 12.9%, with a market share of 66.9%. Mainstream joint venture brands sold 490,000 units, a year-on-year decrease of 6% and a month-on-month increase of 4%. In terms of market share, German brands accounted for 14.3%, Japanese brands for 11.6%, and American brands for 5.8%. Luxury car sales totaled 240,000 units, a year-on-year decline of 1% but a month-on-month increase of 16%, with a market share of 10.8%. The CPCA stated that the traditional luxury car market faces more pressure than mainstream joint venture brands.
According to sales data from Yiche, 33 fuel vehicle models achieved retail sales of over 10,000 units in September, with the Nissan X-Trail surpassing 30,000 units. The Geely Boyue L, Volkswagen Sagitar, Volkswagen Lavida, and Toyota Camry all had sales exceeding 20,000 units.
Looking at specific models, the Nissan X-Trail topped the fuel vehicle sales ranking in September with 33,323 units sold. The new generation of the X-Trail has already been unveiled, and it is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2026. The new model features a completely redesigned exterior, with a more youthful and sporty appearance compared to the current model. The new dimensions are 4656mm in length, 1825mm in width, and 1448mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2712mm. These measurements reflect a 4mm increase in length, a 10mm increase in width, and a 2mm reduction in height. The powertrain will continue to use the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 99 kW, the same as the current model.
In second place is the Geely Boyue L, with 28,090 units sold in September, just 5,233 units behind the X-Trail. This is the only domestic fuel vehicle in the top three. Launched in May, the fourth-generation Geely Boyue L is priced between 99,900 and 149,700 yuan and features an entirely new design language. It is equipped with the latest Flyme Auto 1.8 system and offers both 1.5T and 2.0T engine options. Other popular models from Geely include the Xingyue L and Bin Yue, with sales of 17,869 and 13,968 units, respectively.
In third and fourth places are the Volkswagen Sagitar and Lavida, with September sales of 24,622 and 22,310 units, respectively. Additionally, the Volkswagen Tiguan L, Passat, Magotan, Tayron, and Touareg models all had sales exceeding 10,000 units, ranking 7th, 8th, 11th, 14th, and 26th, respectively. The new generation of the Volkswagen Sagitar L was launched in September and comes with three models priced between 114,900 and 131,900 yuan. This model features a completely redesigned look, with upgrades to the exterior, interior, and powertrain. The body size has been significantly lengthened, and it is powered by a 1.5T engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
In September, Toyota’s Camry and RAV4 ranked 5th and 6th with sales of 20,517 and 19,712 units, respectively. The Corolla Cross, Avanza, Venza, and Avalon also sold more than 10,000 units, with sales of 15,737, 13,715, 12,166, and 11,640 units. In contrast, Honda’s September performance was weaker, with only the Honda CR-V and Accord surpassing 10,000 units, with sales of 14,345 and 13,230 units, respectively, ranking 17th and 22nd.
Among the German, British, and American luxury brands, Audi A6L, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 3 Series, Audi Q5L, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class all surpassed 10,000 units in sales, with 16,011, 13,103, 12,569, 12,315, 11,600, and 10,430 units sold, respectively.
Among domestic fuel vehicles, aside from the Geely Boyue L, Xingyue L, and Bin Yue, other domestic brands also performed well, including Changan’s Eado, Great Wall’s Haval Big Dog, Chery’s Tiggo 8, Hongqi H5, Chery’s Arrizo 8, Changan CS75 PLUS, and Jietu X70, all of which sold over 10,000 units in September. Their respective sales were 18,224, 17,524, 15,656, 14,096, 13,640, 12,060, and 10,187 units.
Overall, traditional fuel vehicles still hold a certain share of the market, especially among joint venture fuel models, where Volkswagen and Toyota dominate. It is important to note that the automotive industry is moving towards electrification and intelligent technologies. As new energy vehicles (NEVs) increasingly penetrate the domestic market, many carmakers are using NEVs to leapfrog the competition. While NEVs are experiencing rapid growth, fuel vehicles will not be eliminated from the market in the short term. Fuel vehicles with good cost-performance and personalization still have significant development potential. However, in the long run, NEVs will become the dominant force in the future automotive market.
