China Auto Association Forecasts 2026 Vehicle Sales to Hit 34.75 Million Units, Following Record 2025 Output and Sales

On January 26, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) held a government symposium in Beijing to brief participants on the industry’s development since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period and outline key priorities for 2026. According to CAAM data, China’s automobile production and sales reached 34.531 million units and 34.4 million units respectively in 2025, up 10.4% and 9.4% year-on-year, maintaining its position as the world’s largest automotive market for the 17th consecutive year. The association forecasts total vehicle sales in 2026 will reach 34.75 million units, an increase of 1% year-on-year. The meeting focused on critical issues including curbing excessive internal competition (“anti-neijuan”), semiconductor supply chains, environmental protection, boosting consumption, exports, and internationalization. Rotating chair companies—including FAW Group, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, SAIC Motor, Changan Automobile, and BAIC Group—participated in the discussions. Participants commended CAAM’s efforts and underscored the importance of providing strong industry guidance and services in 2026, the inaugural year of the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period.