China Imports July 2019: Lexus (+37.4%) monopolises podium in market down -13.3%

The new generation ES lifts Lexus sales up 37.4% in July in China.

After a freak 73.3% surge in June due to rushed sales of non-compliant vehicles ahead of the implementation of Stage 6 Emission rules on July 1, sales of imported vehicles in China logically recede -13.4% in July to 78.616 units, leading to a year-to-date tally up 6.3% to 671.166. Moreover, the announcement by the Chinese government that the 25% levy on U.S. car imports will return in December as retaliation for the Trump government’s trade war will hurt Tesla, Lincoln, Ford, Mercedes and to a lesser extent BMW sales.

For now, Lexus (+37.4%) sails off in the distance in the brands ranking thanks to a tremendous year-on-year improvement leaving BMW (-15.5%) and Mercedes (-31%) in the dust. Porsche (-2.4%) and Toyota (-7.5%) manage to contain their loss in the remainder of the Top 5 and Mini (+1.4%) is the only additional gainer in the Top 12, with Audi (-56%), Land Rover (-39.8%), Volkswagen (-38.8%), Volvo (-32.1%) and Lincoln (-25%) hit the hardest. Further down, Lamborghini (+800%), Ferrari (+150%), Dodge (+76.1%), Tesla (+50.2%), Mitsubishi (+33.1%), Rolls Royce (+13.3%), Jeep (+11.5%) and Alfa Romeo (+10.1%) shine.

Model-wise, the Lexus ES (+467%) spectacularly holds onto the pole position, now adding up to over 51.000 units so far in 2019: more than double any other imported nameplate in China, with the Lexus RX (-12%) amounting to a little over 24.500 units YTD and ranking #3 in July below the Lexus NX (-22.9%) which makes the China Imports podium 100% Lexus for the first time since BSCB started following this market monthly in January 2017. The Porsche Macan (+30.4%) and Cayenne (-25.9%) complete the Top 5 above the BMW X2 up 15 spots to a new record 6th place. The Toyota Alphard (+72.5%) is boosted by the arrival of a hybrid variant, and both the Mercedes S-Class (+36.3%) and Volvo XC90 (+11.7%) also impress in the Top 10.

Previous month: China Imports June 2019: Pre-Stage 6 emissions stock clearances boost market up 73.3% to all-time record

One year ago: China Imports July 2018: BMW leads, Volvo, Land Rover and Porsche up

Full July 2019 Top 50 All imported brands and Top 220 models below.