Retail Car Sales in China Slide 17%

Retail deliveries of new passenger vehicles in China fell 17% to 1.54 million units last month, according to the China Passenger Car Assn.

CPCA notes that last month’s sale shrinkage compares with year-on-year declines of 12% in March and 19% in February. The trade group anticipates no relief until the second half of the year. It says many consumers are waiting to see if the central government rolls out a new round of sales incentives to revive the market.

Market analysts LMC Automotive note that established foreign brands have gained market share in China this year. The gain indicates that demand is falling more sharply for domestic brand vehicles.