China has been the world's largest market for passenger cars since 2010. Passenger-car sales will grow by an average annual rate of 6.1% in 2014-18, extending the country's lead over the world's second-largest car market, the US, despite a rebound in demand there.
Car sales were up by 7% in the first nine months of 2014, a slower rate of growth than during the same period of 2013. The Economist Intelligence Unit expects a slight uptick for the rest of the year, but the market will be subject to a number of domestic constraints: China's economy is making the transition to a period of slower expansion, and restrictions imposed on car use in major cities will also curb growth in purchases.
Chinese anti-trust authorities conducted investigations in mid-2014 into foreign auto makers and challenged their pricing practices. The probe resulted in fines and also price reductions for some popular models or parts. If this persists, the government's move could improve affordability in the long run and increase market share for the whole industry. However, domestic car makers, the penetration rate of which is below 40%, could be adversely affected as the price of foreign brands becomes more competitive.
Plans by foreign manufacturers to expand production capacity in China in the forecast period risk exacerbating overcapacity issues. Overcapacity is currently concentrated among small domestic producers, and pressure for consolidation at this level will build in 2014-18.

Automotive report 2

Overview 2

Passenger cars 3

Commercial and other vehicles 6

Production 7

Fuel sources 9

Industry publishing schedule 11

中国科学技术信息研究所