China February 2019 – New Energy: Mercedes C-Class Hybrid tops market up 52.7%

The Mercedes C-Class has established itself as a major player in the New Energy segment in China.

The New Energy market in China continues to gallop ahead with CAAM wholesales figures indicating a 53.6% year-on-year uptick to 53.000 units, including 40.000 EVs (+69.4%) and 13.000 PHEVs (+18.6%). Our selection of New Energy vehicles is slightly different as it also includes non-rechargeable hybrids but is restricted to passenger cars and retail sales, not wholesales as these offer a broader list of models. Our set of models add up to 40.770 over February (+52.7%) leading to a year-to-date tally up 118.4% to 151.878. The Chinese government has announced province subsidies for New Energy vehicles would be cancelled this year with government subsidies the only ones remaining, so this will make for an interesting 2019 to follow.

One other element that has added to the highly volatile rankings in the segment is the unveiling of non-rechargeable hybrid sales by Mercedes for the C-Class, and that single model propels Mercedes to #1 New Energy brand with almost 7.500 sales and #2 year-to-date with just under 21.000 units. Toyota (-7%) is up one spot on January to #2, while BYD (+70.7%) is down two to #3. BAIC BJEV (+21.8%) and Lexus (+14.2%) round up the Top 5, while Changan (+4434.3%), JMC (+918%) and GAC (+191.7%) post the largest gains n the Top 15. Nio (#13) and Weltmeister (#15) top recent brand launches. Model-wise, below the Mercedes C-Class Hybrid, the BAIC BJEV EU-Series and Toyota Corolla Hybrid complete the podium, with the BYD e5, JMC E200L and Lexus ES Hybrid in great shape.

Previous month: China New Energy January 2019: BYD shoots up 369% to hold 33.6% share of market up 124.6%

Full February 2019 Top 55 All-brands and Top 100 All-models below.