According to CAAM statistical analysis released on June 22, 2026, the top 10 passenger car manufacturers by sales sold a combined 2.431 million units from January to May, accounting for 67.4% of total sedan sales. SAIC Motor led the industry with cumulative sales of 1.651 million units. Its self-owned brand sales ratio exceeded 70% for the first time, while NEV sales reached 595,000 units, up 13.2% year-over-year. Notably, among the top 10 enterprises, only SAIC and Tesla achieved year-over-year sales growth.
Data Highlights: Self-Owned Brand Share Breaks 70%
From January to May 2026, China's auto market displayed clear characteristics of "head concentration + self-owned brand rise." CAAM data shows the top 10 sedan manufacturers sold a combined 2.431 million units, capturing 67.4% of the sedan market, with concentration continuing to increase.
SAIC Motor led the industry with cumulative sales of 1.651 million units. More notable is the structural shift:
- Self-owned brand share exceeded 70% for the first time, meaning 7 of every 10 SAIC vehicles sold were from self-owned brands
- NEV cumulative sales reached 595,000 units, up 13.2% year-over-year
- Against the backdrop of overall ICE market pressure, self-owned brands and NEVs became the core pillars
Industry Landscape: Only Two Achieved Positive Growth
A notable signal: among the top 10 sedan enterprises, only SAIC Motor and Tesla achieved year-over-year sales growth, while all others declined to varying degrees.
This data reflects several deep trends in China's 2026 auto market:
- Self-owned brand share continues rising, accelerating substitution for joint venture brands
- NEV transition leaders benefit, while ICE-dependent enterprises face pressure
- Scale effects amplify, with head enterprises' cost advantages and technology accumulation forming positive feedback
| Indicator | Data | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Top 10 sedan makers sales | 2.431M units | 67.4% of total |
| SAIC total vehicle sales | 1.651M units | Industry leader |
| SAIC self-owned brand share | First time above 70% | Structural breakthrough |
| SAIC NEV sales | 595K units | +13.2% |
| Enterprises with positive growth | Only 2 (SAIC, Tesla) | Market divergence intensifying |
The Deep Logic Behind SAIC's Transformation
SAIC's self-owned brand share breaking 70% is no accident, but the result of years of strategic transformation.
Brand matrix:
- Roewe and MG continue to strengthen
- MG's overseas performance is particularly strong, making it one of China's main export brands
- IM and Rising premium NEV brands are gradually ramping up volume
- Joint venture brands (VW, GM) see declining share but remain important profit sources
Technology layout:
- Enhanced self-developed NEV three-electric system capabilities
- Increased investment in frontiers like solid-state batteries and intelligent driving
- Multiple new NEV platform models planned for 2026 launch
Globalization:
- MG brand performs strongly in Europe, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and South America
- Overseas sales share continues rising, effectively hedging domestic market volatility
- Through platforms like EX1000.COM, overseas buyers can conveniently source export models from SAIC brands
Implications for the Industry
SAIC's data is a microcosm of China's auto industry transformation. Self-owned brands are moving from "value-for-money substitution" to "technology leadership," and from "domestic-focused" to "global layout." This trend is reshaping the global automotive landscape.
For buyers in overseas markets like Central Asia and Russia, the rise of Chinese self-owned brands means more high-quality, high-value options. The reputation accumulated by MG in overseas markets also lays the foundation for improving the overall image of Chinese automobiles.
Market Outlook
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, China's auto market is expected to continue diverging:
- NEV penetration is likely to keep climbing, potentially breaking 65% for the full year
- Self-owned brand share will further expand, expected to reach above 65% annually
- Export markets maintain strong growth, with annual auto exports approaching or exceeding 10 million units
- Intelligence and connectivity will become new competitive focal points
If SAIC maintains current momentum, its full-year self-owned brand share could stabilize above 70%, further consolidating its position as China's auto industry leader.
