Gasgoo.com (Shanghai May 10) - Despite the fact that complete domestic sales figures from last month have yet to be released, we can still reflect on the state of the industry in April.
GM's Chinese sales fall short of expectations
The Detroit giant announced that the Shanghai GM joint venture sold 96,219 vehicles last month. Although the number is 7.4 percent higher than the amount the JV sold last year, it represents a 5 percent decrease for GM as a whole.
Shanghai VW's new models attracting attention
Shanghai VW, on the other hand, announced positive growth of 15.3 percent in April. The JV sold a total of 90,220 vehicles, 73,368 of which were VW branded, while the remaining 16,852 carried Skoda badges. The New Passat, having only been introduced 13 days ago, managed remarkable sales of 1,266 units.
Japanese brands falling behind
Still suffering due to March's earthquake, Toyota only managed to sell 49,000 vehicles in China, a decrease of 23.5 percent from last year. Mazda also made a lackluster performance, selling only 17,890 vehicles.
Hyundai and Kia charge ahead
With help from the New Sonata and K5, Korean companies Hyundai and Kia left a significant impression in the industry last month. According to figures, Hyundai sold 96,265 vehicles in the country, growing 15.26 percent, while Dongfeng Yueda Kia sold 63,889 vehicles.
