China imports March 2025: Lexus island of growth in market off -7.3%

Lexus RX sales are up 39.4% in March

49,064 new cars were imported in China in March, a -7.3% year-on-year decline, leading to a Q1 tally off -16.7% to 134,357. Market leader Lexus (+16.1%) is the only Top 14 carmaker in positive and strengthens its grip on the market. Mercedes (-1.2%) and BMW (-11.4%) follow. Mini (-56.7%), Volkswagen (-44.5%), Tesla (-39.9%) and Bentley (-38.5%) are hit hard.

Model-wise, Lexus places three models in the Top 4 like it does year-to-date, with the ES up 10.7%, the RX up 39.4% and the NX up 58.5%. Notice also the Audi Q7 up 25.7%, the Toyota Alphard up 5.3% and the Land Rover Defender up 4.6%.

Previous month: China imports February 2025: Lexus RX, BMW 2 Series highlight stable market

One year ago: China imports March 2024: Lexus, Mini, Toyota impress in declining market (-16.5%)

Full March 2025 Top 41 All brands and Top 181 All models below.