Automobile price war weighs on China's consumption recovery

Budget EVs under $10,000 spark fierce competition among Chinese carmakers

20250522 Geely's Star Wish

Geely Galaxy’s Star Wish, an electric vehicle with a starting price of $9,500, was China’s top-selling model in April. (Photo by Tomoko Wakasugi)

WATARU SUZUKI

SHANGHAI -- Car sales are weighing on China's consumption growth as domestic electric vehicle makers roll out cheaper models to boost market share.

Retail sales grew 5.1% year-on-year in April, according to official statistics released this week, falling short of the market consensus of 6%. While growth was sustained by the government's trade-in policy on electrical appliances, a major drag was car sales, which grew 0.7% in value. Excluding cars, retail sales increased 5.6%.

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