China LCV April 2016: Mini Trucks surge 39%, Pickups back in positive

The Dongfeng K-Series Mini Truck breaks into the Top 10 in April

* See the Top 55 best-selling models by clicking on the title *

As part of a partnership with Chinese consultancy outlet Cedars, today we share with you detailed data for the light commercials market in China with complete Minivan, Pickup and Mini Truck data by model as well as selected light truck/bus data provided by LMC Automotive. Light commercials as a whole are down just 6% in April at 325.126 units compared to -10% year-to-date to 1.175.842 according to LMC. In the detail, minivans are once again in freefall at -19% to 62.146 and -30% to 233.377 so far this year and mini trucks are absorbing these lapsed buyers as it has been the case for over a year now with sales up 39% to 49.152, an even higher increase rate than year-to-date at +23% to 169.024. Finally, pickup trucks confirm their resurgence by posting their first year-on-year gains in over two years at +0.7% to 30.989 vs. -6% and 113.141 year-to-date, the result of a much anticipated change in legislation allowing pickup trucks in the large cities of four provinces for the first time in 12 years (see our February China LCV report for more detail).

Chana Shenqi F30 Pickup

The Foton Light Truck remains in the lead with 25.028 sales while the cheapest Wuling minivans are brought back to life by reduced prices: the Sunshine is up 11% to #2 and the Rongguang is up 10% to #5. On the other hand the more recent Hongguang V is down 17% to #4. With the Mini Truck up 25% to #3, Wuling places its four nameplates inside the Top 5. The Chana Star Mini Truck is up a flamboyant 52% to #8 and the Dongfeng K-Series Mini Truck breaks into the Top 10 at #9, confirming mini trucks are the new default LCV in China, contrasting with the Chana Star Minibus imploding 78% to #18. Notice also the Great Wall Wingle 6 up 51% to #21 and the Chana Shenqi F-Series Pickup appearing at #30.

Previous month: China LCV March 2016: Mini Trucks shoot up 31% led by Wuling

One year ago: China LCV April 2015: Wuling Hongguang V takes control

Full April 2016 Top 55 models Ranking Table below.