China EV100 Chairman forecasts domestic auto market recovery in 2027 after 2026 adjustment
Zhang Yongwei, Chairman of the China EV100 Research Institute, stated at a September 15 media briefing that China’s auto market will enter an adjustment phase in 2026, with domestic sales projected to decline by 18% and exports to grow by 55%. He called for sustaining annual domestic sales of 25 million vehicles and total sales of 35–40 million units during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, predicting a recovery phase in 2027.
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China EV100 Chairman Predicts Stable Auto Market During 15th Five-Year Plan
At a media briefing for the China Automotive High-Level Forum (2027), Zhang Yongwei, Chairman of the China EV100 Research Institute, forecast that the Chinese automotive market will enter an adjustment phase in 2026. He stated that maintaining annual domestic sales at around 25 million vehicles during the 15th Five-Year Plan period is a key task for stabilizing internal circulation, with a recovery expected in 2027. Zhang noted that competition is intensifying, overseas expansion is accelerating, and cross-sector integration with energy, transportation, and technology is deepening. He emphasized that internationalization is a strategic opportunity, requiring Chinese automakers to move beyond product exports toward globalizing brands and manufacturing. He also highlighted new opportunities in AI, intelligent driving, battery technology, and charging infrastructure, and urged the industry to seek a 'second growth curve' in areas such as embodied AI, low-altitude economy, and energy storage. The Intelligent Electric Vehicle Development High-Level Forum will be held in Beijing from January 22 to 24, 2027.
China Auto Market to Stay Stable at 25 Million Sales During 15th Five-Year Plan, Says Expert
At a media briefing for the China Automotive High-Level Forum (2027), Zhang Yongwei, Chairman of the China EV100 Research Institute, predicted that the Chinese automotive market will enter an adjustment phase in 2026. He stated that maintaining annual domestic sales of around 25 million vehicles during the 15th Five-Year Plan period is a key task for stabilizing internal circulation, with a recovery phase expected in 2027. Zhang noted that competition is intensifying domestically, overseas expansion is accelerating, and cross-sector integration with energy, transportation, and technology is deepening. He emphasized that the industry's transition from internal combustion engines to electrification, intelligence, and globalization is irreversible but will involve structural adjustments. Zhang identified internationalization as a strategic opportunity, urging Chinese automakers to move beyond product exports toward brand, manufacturing, and capability globalization. He also highlighted new opportunities in artificial intelligence, intelligent driving, battery technology, and charging infrastructure, and called for automakers to seek a 'second growth curve' in areas such as embodied AI, low-altitude economy, energy storage, and new services.
China EV100 Chairman Calls for Auto Market Stability at 35-40 Million Units During 15th Five-Year Plan
Zhang Yongwei, Chairman of the China EV100 Research Institute, stated at a media briefing for the China EV100 Annual Conference that maintaining stability in China's automobile market is a key task supporting economic development. He called for annual sales in the overall automobile market to be sustained at 35–40 million units during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Specifically, domestic sales of 25 million units are crucial for stabilizing domestic circulation, while exports plus overseas production should shift from speed to quality, with a reasonable target of 10–15 million units per year. The China EV100 forecasts that total automobile sales in 2026 will decline slightly by 3% to approximately 33.4 million units, still exceeding 2024 sales levels. New energy vehicle sales are projected to reach 18.4 million units for the full year, representing a year-on-year increase of 12%, with an all-inclusive penetration rate of about 55%. The China EV100 also noted that in 2027, China's automobile market will enter a recovery phase.
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China EV100 Chairman Forecasts Domestic Auto Market Recovery in 2027 After 2026 Adjustment
Zhang Yongwei, Chairman of the China EV100 Research Institute, stated at a September 15 media briefing for the High-Level Forum on Intelligent Electric Vehicle Development (2027) that China's auto market is expected to enter a recovery phase in 2027. He characterized 2026 as an adjustment phase with a 'primarily stable' full-year performance, marked by structural divergence: strong exports and weak domestic demand. Zhang projected domestic sales would decline by 18% in 2026, while exports would grow by 55%. He emphasized that maintaining stability in the auto market is crucial for both the industry's development and supporting macroeconomic growth. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, sustaining annual domestic sales of 25 million units is a key task for stabilizing internal circulation, with total vehicle sales needing to remain between 35 million and 40 million units.
Read sourceChina Auto 100 Forum Chairman Predicts Domestic Auto Market Recovery by 2027
Zhang Yongwei, Chairman of the China Automotive 100 Forum Research Institute, stated at a media briefing for the High-Level Forum on the Development of Intelligent Electric Vehicles (2027) that maintaining stability in China's automotive market is crucial for both the auto industry and macroeconomic growth. He forecast that in 2026, the market will enter an adjustment phase with full-year performance remaining 'primarily stable,' characterized by structural divergence: robust exports and weak domestic demand. Domestic sales are projected to decline by 18% in 2026, while exports are expected to grow by 55%. Zhang emphasized that sustaining annual domestic sales of 25 million vehicles during the 14th Five-Year Plan period is a key task for stabilizing internal circulation, and overall vehicle sales volume needs to be maintained between 35 million and 40 million units. He predicted the domestic automotive market will enter a recovery phase in 2027.