In the first half of 2026, China's passenger vehicle market saw a 20.2% year-on-year decline, yet Leapmotor delivered 356,500 units to top the new force rankings with 60.8% growth. June single-month deliveries hit a record 93,376 units, with overseas exports nearing 100K units — exceeding full-year 2025 exports.
Data Highlights: Structural Divergence in a Cooling Market
Latest data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) shows nationwide passenger vehicle retail sales reached 1.602 million units in June 2026, down 23.2% year-on-year. First-half cumulative sales were 8.701 million units, down 20.2% annually.
Against this overall pressure backdrop, the new force camp shows dramatic internal divergence:
- Leapmotor: First-half cumulative deliveries of 356,487 units, up 60.8% YoY, the only new force brand breaking the 300K threshold
- Harmony Intelligent Mobility: ~242,000 units in H1, up 18.6% YoY
- Li Auto: ~193,500 units in H1, down 5.1% YoY
- NIO: 191,123 units in H1, up 67.4% YoY
- Xiaomi Auto: Over 180,000 units cumulative in H1
- Zeekr: 178,400 units in H1, up 97% YoY
- XPeng: ~165,000 units in H1, down 15.8% YoY
| Brand | H1 2026 Sales | YoY Change | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leapmotor | 356,487 units | +60.8% | 1 |
| Harmony | ~242,000 units | +18.6% | 2 |
| Li Auto | ~193,500 units | -5.1% | 3 |
| NIO | 191,123 units | +67.4% | 4 |
| Xiaomi | ~180,000 units | New brand | 5 |
| Zeekr | 178,400 units | +97% | 6 |
| XPeng | ~165,000 units | -15.8% | 7 |
Leapmotor's Core Drivers: Full-Stack Self-Development + Multi-Product Matrix
Leapmotor's counter-trend high growth is no accident — it rests on two strategic pillars: full-stack self-development and a multi-product matrix.
Full Product Lineup Firing on All Cylinders
Leapmotor delivered 93,376 units in June, up 95% YoY, setting a new single-month delivery record. The multi-product matrix is the core driver:
- C Series: Post-refresh contribution exceeded 30,000 units; the "more features, same price" strategy solidifies the family market
- A10: Rapidly became a phenomenon-level hit after April launch, with over 25,000 monthly deliveries by May
- D19: Flagship model cumulative deliveries broke 20,000 units, supporting brand elevation
- D99: Officially launched in June as an MPV starting at ¥249,800, targeting the premium market
65%+ Core Component Self-Development Rate
Leapmotor's core competitive advantage stems from its 65%+ core component self-development rate. This depth of self-development allows Leapmotor to maintain cost advantages amid industry price wars while providing technical autonomy for rapid product iteration.
Overseas Market: Second Growth Engine Ignited
Another highlight of Leapmotor's first half is the explosive growth in overseas exports:
- First-half overseas exports of nearly 100,000 units, already exceeding full-year 2025 exports (67,052 units)
- June single-month exports of 21,000 units, accounting for approximately 22% of total sales
- Pure electric market share in Italy reached 29.4%, continuously ranking first in sales
- T03 became Italy's best-selling pure electric vehicle, with B10 winning its segment championship
- C10 rolled off the line at Stellantis' Malaysia plant and began batch deliveries
- In May, two major production bases in Spain were formally established with Stellantis, with B10 expected to commence production within the year
This overseas breakthrough benefits from Leapmotor's strategic joint venture with Stellantis, making it one of the Chinese new force brands with the deepest globalization footprint.
Competitive Landscape: Accelerating Head Concentration
The first-half sales pattern clearly shows accelerating divergence within the new force camp:
Strong Growth Tier: Leapmotor (+60.8%), NIO (+67.4%), Zeekr (+97%) — all three achieved over 60% high growth, driven respectively by full-stack self-development, three-brand synergy, and Geely ecosystem empowerment.
Pressure Adjustment Tier: Li Auto (-5.1%), XPeng (-15.8%) — Li Auto affected by product transition pains, with traditional EREV SUV competitiveness diluted; XPeng remains in the balance between technology investment and sales ramp-up.
Disruptor Rise Tier: Xiaomi Auto exceeded 180K units in H1, with three consecutive months over 30K deliveries. The YU7 series surpassed 230K cumulative deliveries within 10 months of launch, showing strong disruptor momentum.
Outlook: H2 Competition Intensifies Further
In the second half, brands will enter a密集 new vehicle launch period:
- Li Auto's new-generation L6 and all-new L8 will launch
- NIO's new ES8, ES7, and ES6 will debut sequentially
- Xiaomi's second series flagship model will launch in August
- XPeng's MONA L03, L05, and other new products will roll out
No new force brand has achieved an annual target fulfillment rate exceeding 50%; only NIO surpassed 40%, with the rest concentrated in the 30-40% range. Under the dual pressure of price wars and demand softness, full-year target achievement remains uncertain.
For dealers and industry observers in emerging markets like Central Asia and Russia, the internal divergence among Chinese new force brands means the export landscape is being reshaped — the overseas capacity expansion of high-growth brands like Leapmotor and Xiaomi will bring more diversified product choices to local markets. Latest market updates at EX1000.COM.
