China retail September 2023: Four BYD models in Top 5, LI Auto breaks record again

The LI Auto L8 reaches an all time high in September.

Retail sales of the models included in this report gain 3.5% year-on-year in September to 1,868,297 units, This leads to a year-to-date up 3% to 14,620,934. BSCB is the only non-Chinese medium to cover both wholesales (ex-factory shipments) and retail sales data for China so you can get the most complete picture of the largest new car market in the world. Retail sales tend to give a more authentic view of the market as they roughly correspond to registrations by end-customers. This way, they are more difficult to boost with exports, as is sometimes the case for wholesales. Note imports, pickups and medium to heavy commercials are not included in this dataset, but it sometimes includes a more detailed split by model variant.

BYD (+38.2%) continues to shoot up and tighten its grip on the brands charts with over 230,000 units. The Yuan Plus (+117%), Song Pro (+97.5%) and Qin Plus (+30.1%) lead the way in terms of year-on-year gains among strong sellers whereas the Dolphin (-2.1%), Tang (-18.4%) and Han (-21.5%) have peaked out. The Seagull (over 32,000 sales) gives the brand a significant boost. Volkswagen (-9.2%) struggles once again and is handicapped by paltry results by the Bora (-32.9%), Golf (-39.7%), Lavida (-42%) and T-Roc (-43%) and despite strong showings by the ID.3 (+360.5%), Talagon (+145.1%), T-Cross (+151.7%), Polo (+79.3%) and Tayron (+48.6%). Toyota (-12.6%) is in an even more difficult position with  its best-sellers the Corolla (-40.9%) and Levin (-58.9%) hit hard. The RAV4 (-2.2%) limits its fall while the Front Lander (+43.4%), Corolla Cross (+41.2%), Venza (+23.3%) and Highlander (+10.4%) impress.

Honda (+3%) is shy in fourth place, distancing Geely (+43.9%) in great shape as is Changan (+11.3%). In contrast Wuling (-9.7%) and BMW (-0.9%) both regress. Audi (+15.3%) returns inside the Top 10 at #9 while Mercedes (+3.6%) is soft at #10. Below, Tesla (-44.5%) freefalls to #14, with Aion (+83.3%), Chery (+19.7%) and Haval (+12%) in excellent shape. Li Auto (+214.1%) breaks its monthly volume record for the 6th time in a row and ranks 17th. Jetour (+92.4%), NIO (+67.3%), Shenlan (+419.8%), Xpeng (+75.5%), Denza (+64553.3%), Voyah (+87.7%) and JAC (+110.4%) also deliver fantastic lifts.

Looking at the models ranking in isolation, the Tesla Model Y (-11.1%) holds onto the top spot despite a year-on-year loss. It is followed by no less than four BYD models. The Qin Plus (+30.1%) ranks #2 as it does year-to-date, the Song Plus (-0.9%) is #3, the new Seagull is #4 and the Yuan Plus (+117%) ranks 5th. The VW Sagitar (+18%) is up two spots on last month to #6 ahead of last year’s leader the Nissan Sylphy (-31.5%), The BYD Dolphin (-2.1%) climbs back inside the Top 10 at #8 while the Honda Civc is up 92.5% to #9. The Toyota Camry (+4.8%) closes out the Top 10 while the Aion Y (+108.2%) drops four ranks to #11. The Wuling Bingo steps up to #15, breaking its ranking and volume records.

Previous month: China retail August 2023: BYD, Aion, Tesla stand out in stable market

One year ago: China retail September 2022: Market up 10.3%, BYD lodges 4th straight volume record, Tesla Model Y #1

Full September 2023 Top 116 All brands and Top 675 All models below.