Chinese SUV market continues to grow rapidly, draws increasing number of participants

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai November 25) - The market for SUVs in China has continued to steadily over the past few years, with the segment's growth rates far exceeding those of sedans and minivans.

According to statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, a total of 17.93 million passenger automobiles were sold in China in 2013, representing year-on-year growth of 15.71 percent. Among them, 2013 sedan, SUV, minivan and crossover sales totaled 12.01 million units, 2.99 million units, 1.31 million units and 1.62 million units, respectively. Among then, SUV sales that year grew 49.41 percent from 2012, far above the 11.77 percent year-on-year growth rate for the sedan segment.

CAAM Deputy Secretary General Jian Hua predicts SUV sales this year to be between 3.85 million and 3.92 million units, representing year-on-year growth of approximately 30 percent.

As SUV demand continues to escalate, manufacturers are introducing more and more models to the Chinese market. In October alone nearly ten new models made their Chinese market launches, such as Beijing Hyundai ix25 and the Guangqi Honda Vezel (pictured). At the recently concluded Guangzhou International Motor Show, the new Guangqi Toyota Highlander, new Ford Edge, new Kia Sorento, new BMW X6, Lexus NX and Dongfeng Honda XR-V were all displayed for Chinese viewers to enjoy.

Increasing growth rates mean that competition in the segment is bound to become even fiercer.