China’s passenger vehicle market saw a solid recovery in September, with retail sales rising 6% year-on-year to approximately 2.24 million units, according to preliminary data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

Compared to August, sales increased 11%, signaling stronger consumer demand ahead of the National Day holiday in October.

Sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs), including electric and plug-in hybrids, continued to outperform, growing 16% year-on-year and 17% month-on-month to hit 1.31 million units in September. 

The data reflects continued momentum in China’s auto sector, particularly in the transition to clean energy vehicles.