In China's sedan market, U.S.-made cars beat Japan-made first time ever

Shanghai, September 12, (Gasgoo.com)--During the first half of this year, China imported more cars from the United States than from Japan for the first time, and Germany-made cars remain the largest imports, official statistics shows.

China has imported 13,476 U.S.-made sedans during the first half of this year, which have passed Japanese-made sedans, according to China Trading Center For Automobile Import.

"On the one hand, Japanese automakers pursue a local production strategy instead of seeking more exports; on the other hand, more segments of U.S.-made automobiles have poured into Chinese market than ever," said Ding Hongxiang, general manager of China Trading Center For Automobile Import.

In terms of market share, Germany-made cars account for 39% of China's imported sedan market, while US-made cars take 21% and Japan-made cars 19%.

However when it comes to the imports of SUVs, there is a different story. China imported 60,570 SUVs during the first six months, of which 48% are made in Japan, 22% are made in Korea and  only 13% in the US.

As for best-selling luxury brands, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, Audi, VW and Porsche are listed on the top of imported luxury vehicles. Yet there are few American-made luxury brands available in Chinese market.