Gasgoo Munich- The 2026 auto market got off to a chilly start. Squeezed by shifting policies and exhausted demand, most automakers felt the heat in January. Yet GAC Trumpchi bucked the trend, delivering a standout performance.
Image source: GAC Trumpchi
Official data puts GAC Trumpchi's January retail sales at 26,937 units. That marks a 2.06% year-on-year rise and a 25.07% jump from December—a dual-growth feat that underscores the brand's resilience amid the industry downturn.
That performance stands in stark contrast to the broader malaise. Data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) shows domestic retail passenger vehicle sales slumped 28% year-on-year and 37% month-on-month in the first 18 days of January. The new-energy vehicle market saw a rare decline, with penetration rates retreating sharply. Between fading purchase tax incentives and shifting trade-in policies, consumers are sitting on the sidelines, leaving the market in a significant downturn.
Two pillars drove this counter-cyclical growth. First, the rapid implementation of the Trumpchi BU's integrated operations reform. From the outset, an "iron triangle" of management worked with dealers to roll out favorable policies, revitalizing sales channels. Second, sustained product strength. Flagship models like the Trumpchi M8 Master series continue to capture market share with their competitive pricing and rich features, serving as key engines for sales growth.
Known as a steady hand among domestic automakers, GAC Trumpchi isn't chasing speed during this market transition—it's doubling down on products and channels. This dual growth to start the year serves as a strong initial performance indicator for the Trumpchi BU following its first month, injecting confidence into the industry's rational adjustment phase in 2026.
