Eliza Wong
August NEV Sales Reflect Market Resilience and Intense Competition
China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market maintained its strong recovery momentum in August, with leading new automakers like Li Auto, XPeng, and NIO achieving record-breaking monthly sales. The recently released retail sales ranking for August highlights both consistency and surprise, with比亚迪 continuing to dominate while Xiaomi Auto emerged as the standout growth champion, recording a staggering 170% year-on-year increase.
According to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), August NEV sales reached 1.115 million units, up 8.8% year-on-year and 13.0% month-on-month. Cumulative sales from January to August totaled 7.57 million units, a 26.0% increase compared to the same period last year. Analysts attribute this growth to a combination of policy support, hidden subsidies, and rising consumer enthusiasm.
Top Performers and Ranking Shifts
The August rankings saw notable adjustments compared to July, with Xiaomi breaking into the top ten for the first time, while XPeng dropped out of the list. Seven of the ten automakers achieved year-on-year growth, with particularly strong performances from Xiaomi, Geely, and Li Auto. Similarly, seven brands also saw month-on-month increases, reflecting positive overall momentum.
Breakdown of Top 10 NEV Sales in August
–比亚迪: 310,200 units (No. 1), down 18.3% YoY but up 12.9% MoM
– Geely Auto: 134,405 units (No. 2), up 81.4% YoY and 10.7% MoM
– Changan Auto: 72,338 units (No. 3), up 38.2% YoY and 30.0% MoM
– SAIC-GM-Wuling: 61,351 units (No. 4), down 2.2% YoY
– Tesla China: 57,152 units (No. 5), down 9.9% YoY
– Li Auto: 51,162 units (No. 6), up 82.7% YoY and 12.4% MoM
– Harmony Intelligent Driving (鸿蒙智行): 44,561 units (No. 7), up 32.2% YoY
– Seres Group: 40,012 units (No. 8), up 19.3% YoY
– Xiaomi Auto: 36,396 units (No. 9), up 177.6% YoY
Xiaomi’s Meteoric Rise
Xiaomi Auto’s impressive 170% year-on-year growth not only earned it a spot in the top ten but also positioned it as August’s growth champion. The company’s aggressive pricing, smart marketing, and expanding production capacity have contributed significantly to its rapid uptake in the highly competitive NEV market.
Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape
Despite record performances from new automakers like XPeng and NIO, neither made it into the top ten—a clear sign that competition is fiercer than ever. Tesla China also saw a decline, though its recent price adjustments may help recapture momentum in the coming months.
Implications for the Future of NEVs
The NEV market is evolving rapidly, with traditional automakers and tech-driven entrants like Xiaomi reshaping the landscape. Consumer preferences, government policies, and innovation in battery technology and autonomous driving will continue to influence sales trends.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that growth will be driven by both volume players and agile innovators. For more insights and monthly sales updates, subscribe to our newsletter or follow our industry reports.
