China 1997: VW Santana 2000 threatens Santana for pole position, market up 11.9%

The VW Santana 2000 is only 3,000 sales below the Santana in 1997.

New vehicle sales in China accelerate their growth in 1997 at +11.9% year-on-year to 1,484,948 units. Brand leader Volkswagen (+19.8%) outraces the market to easily top the charts with over 270,000 sales. FAW Tianjin (+4%) follows but can’t keep up with the market evolution. FAW (-3.8%) even loses ground at #3 ahead of Changan (+40.9%), Wuling (+23.7%) and Changhe (+72.5%) all in outstanding shape. Dongfeng (+158.8%) is up 12 spots on 1996 to #11 and like last year Volkswagen is the only foreigner in the Top 12. This time the next-best selling foreign marque is Citroen (+153.1%) up 11 ranks on last year to #13.

The race is very tight for the models pole position: the VW Santana (+4.7%) ends the year just 3,090 sales above the more modern VW Santana 2000 (+28.2%) which has been an instant blockbuster. The FAW Tianjin Xiali (+11.4%) is still valiant in third place and almost matches the market. The Changan Star (+40.9%) is up one spot on last year to #4 while the Wuling Truck (+24.9%) is up three to #5. The Changhe CH6300 (+53.7%) manages the largest gain in the Top 10 at #6. Notice also the Citroen ZX (Fukang) up 289.4% to #17.

Full Year 1997 Top 62 All brands and Top 138 All models vs. Full Year 1996 figures below.