China auto imports seen hitting 16-year low as domestic EVs reign

Automobiles

US, German brands struggle as gasonline-powered vehicles lose popularity

20260107N BMW Shanghai

China's imports of BMWs and other German vehicles plummeted 46% year-on-year in January-October. (Photo by Shizuka Tanabe)

SHIZUKA TANABE

January 8, 2026 02:01 JST

GUANGZHOU -- Automobile imports to China for last year are projected to fall 30% from 2024, with fewer than 600,000 vehicles entering the country for the first time in 16 years as low-priced domestic electric vehicles squeeze out luxury vehicles from Europe and the U.S.

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