China November 2013: Focus on the all-new models

Hyundai wants to sell 100,000 Mistra in 2014, and will.

* See the Top 319 All-models by clicking on the title! Thanks CarnewsChina *

As is now the tradition on BestSellingCarsBlog, after going through November data by models and brands and the year-to-date update, we now zoom in on the all-new locally produced models making their first appearance in the Chinese ranking this month. This way you know all there is to know about absolutely all new cars getting into production in the most important car marketplace there is. This month 5 new cars make their landing. First we have the much-anticipated Hyundai Mistra at #90 with 6,260 sales even though it’s only been on sale for 10 days. The Mistra steps inbetween the Elantra and Sonata in the Hyundai range and is priced from 150.000 to 190.000 yuan (US$24.700-31.300).

Hyundai Mistra

The Mistra competes with strong sellers like the VW Sagitar (#5 so far in 2013), Honda Crider (#67) and Citroen C4L (#94), and will be complemented in 2014 by the Kia K4 based on the same platform. Keeping in mind the Elantra Langdong is #14 in 2013 with 190,000 sales and the Sonata is #44 at 96,000 units, in a rare move in China, Hyundai recently announced its sales objectives for the Mistra. They are 10,000 units in 2013 which by the time you read this is already a done deal, and 100,000 over the Full Year 2013. If these numbers seem conservative, that’s because Hyundai always downplays its launches in order to surprise later. I predict at least a Top 30 ranking for the Mistra by the time 2014 comes to an end with sales somewhere between 120,000 to 160,000.

Brilliance H220

The 2nd most popular all-new entrant this month is the Brilliance H220 at #178 with 1,865 sales, the hatchback version of the H230 launched in August 2012 and ranking #93 so far in 2013 but down 79% year-on-year to #215 in November. The H220 is priced between 54.800 and 67.800 yuan (US$ 9,000-11,200), making it one of the cheapest sub-compact hatchbacks in China and Brilliance’s entry vehicle, with its rear looking a tiny bit like the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback. The H220 competes (and undercuts) cars like the Chevrolet Sail and Hyundai Verna hatchbacks. Given how volatile Brilliance models sales are and how unsuccessful in general hatchback variants are in the country, it is very hard to predict how well the H220 will do, but a Top 100 ranking at any point in its career would be a fine achievement.

Peugeot 301

One year ago when Peugeot unveiled the new 301 designed for emerging markets, my reaction was: this is perfect for China. And it’s finally here, appearing at #191 with 1,629 sales for now. The 301 is priced between 84.700 and 116.700 yuan (US$ 13.900-19.200), virtually the same as its twin the new generation Citroen C-Elysee launched in September. The 301 is Peugeot’s first foray into a hugely popular segment in China: small-size sedans, and as such competes with massive best-sellers like the VW Jetta (240,000 sales so far in 2013) and Santana (160,000). If successful, the 301 could be the car to open Pandora’s box for Peugeot in China. The last time a Peugeot ranked inside the Chinese year-end Top 30 was in 2008 with the 307 at #28. So far this year the brand’s best-seller is the 308 at an encouraging #63 and 77,000 sales. In that context, breaking into the monthly Top 50 would be a good start for the 301 and 100,000 annual sales seems within reach if not in 2014 then in 2015.

BAW Beiqi Jeep (this may not be the 2020 series)

The next two all-new entrants are not really ones but more models that have dropped in and out of rankings along the years. the Haima Prince had disappeared from the face of the earth even though it launched back in 2011, it is #270 this month with 182 sales while the BAW Beiqi 2020 Series is a jeep that has been around for ages, landing at #277 and 111 units this month. There is still no trace of the DS5 in the ranking, however I am in touch with Citroen China as we speak so hopefully I will have more info for you shortly. As far as recent launches are concerned, let’s salute the Beijing Weiwang M20 up 23 spots to #129, GAC Trumpchi GA3 up 24 to #145, Gonow Xinglang MPV up 26 to #182, Skoda Yeti up a spectacular 78 ranks to #190 and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport up 47 to #205. Reversely, the Honda Jade takes a break, down 15 spots to #82 and the Chery Arrizo 7 is down 29 to #153.

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Previous post (brands): China November 2013: Now with Top 66 All-brands ranking

Previous post (models): China November 2013: Nissan Sylphy delivers best-ever month for a Japanese model!

Previous month (new models): China October 2013: Focus on the all-new models

Full November 2013 Top 319 All-models Ranking Table below.