In May 2026, China produced 2.642 million vehicles and sold 2.682 million, up 11.4% and 12.6% year-over-year respectively. NEV production and sales reached 1.025 million and 1.028 million units, up 38.8% and 42.2%, with 47.7% penetration. January-May cumulative exports hit 4.059 million units, up 63%.
May Production and Sales Overview
According to latest CAAM data, May 2026 China auto production and sales were 2.642 million and 2.682 million units, up 1.1% and 2.3% month-over-month, and up 11.4% and 12.6% year-over-year. January-May cumulative production and sales reached 12.812 million and 12.737 million units, up 11.2% and 10.8%.
Core Production and Sales Data
| Metric | May Value | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Production | 2.642 million units | 11.4% |
| Sales | 2.682 million units | 12.6% |
| Jan-May Cumulative Production | 12.812 million units | 11.2% |
| Jan-May Cumulative Sales | 12.737 million units | 10.8% |
NEV Continues Leading
May NEV production and sales were 1.025 million and 1.028 million units, up 38.8% and 42.2% year-over-year, with NEV sales representing 47.7% of total vehicle sales—approaching half the market.
- Pure electric production and sales were 683,000 and 688,000 units
- PHEV production and sales were 342,000 and 340,000 units
NEV Structure Breakdown
- Pure electric models account for approximately 67% of NEV sales
- PHEV models account for approximately 33% of NEV sales
- NEV penetration rate increased by about 12 percentage points compared to May 2025
Export Momentum Surges
January-May cumulative auto exports reached 4.059 million units, up 63% year-over-year. Chery leads with 749,000 cumulative exports, followed by SAIC, Changan, and Geely.
- NEV export share continues rising
- Becoming the core driver of overall export growth
Overseas Market Opportunities
For importers in Central Asia, Russia, and other markets, China's export growth means:
- Richer product choices
- More stable supply capacity
The rapid NEV penetration increase demonstrates that China's new energy industry chain has achieved global competitiveness. Overseas buyers' risks in procuring Chinese NEVs are declining while product maturity is improving. EX1000.COM continues tracking China's auto export dynamics.
