China 2004: Volumes consolidate at +13.1%, VW down, Hyundai Elantra instant blockbuster

The Hyundai Elantra was #1 Passenger Car in June.

The Chinese market consolidates its growth in 2004 to “just” +13.1% year-on-year, still an additional 530,000 units to 4,589,782 sales. A surprise atop the brands ranking: Volkswagen not only can’t keep up with the market evolution but actually registers a year-on-year drop at -6.4%. The German manufacturer however remains by far the most popular in China. The next five carmakers all beat the market. Changan is up 19% and Foton up 30.5% to ensure the podium remains unchanged on last year, Buick (+25.3%) advances one spot to #4 and #2 Passenger Car brand ahead of Wuling up 24.8%. Honda (+75.1%) and most strikingly Hyundai (+164%) manage fantastic gains in the remainder of the Top 10. Hyundai goes from #21 in 2003 to #9 overall this year. Notice also Toyota up 34.7% and 6 spots to #13, Geely (+38.3%) also up 6 to #14 and Chery (+1.4%) staying at #16. Citroen (-22.8%) suffers at #19.

VW Santana, Jetta and Hyundai Elantra sales comparison July 2003 – July 2004

The Top 4 models are Commercial Vehicles, led by the Changan Star (+18.6%) ahead of the Foton Forland (+30.5%), Wuling Van (+38.6%) and Hafei Carry (+9.2%). The VW Jetta (+7.5%) slows down its growth but remains the best-selling Passenger Car in the country ahead of the VW Santana (+8.2%). The FAW Tianjin Xiali (+17.6%) shows great health and advances one spot to #3 PC. Below the Honda Accord (+31%) in great shape, the launch of the year award goes to the Hyundai Elantra, launched in December 2003 and already #1 Passenger Car in June! It sells upwards of 100,000 units over the Full Year. Another very successful recent launch is the Buick Excelle (+156.2%) up to #10 overall and #6 PC. The VW Santana 3000 replaces the 2000 and lands directly at #11 overall and #7 PC. Notice also the Honda Fit up 381.6% whereas the VW Passat (-39%) and Buick Regal (-19%) suffer.

Full Year 2004 Top 95 All brands and Top 300 All models vs. Full Year 2003 figures below.