A major news week in the auto market (June 30-July 6)

**Auto Market Highlights: June 30 – July 6 News Review** Shenzhen Business Daily reporters Gao Xiaoning and Xu Honghui bring you the latest updates from the Chinese auto market. This week, one of the biggest stories was Shanghai General Motors (SGM) surpassing its long-time rival, Shanghai Volkswagen, in sales for the first time in over two decades. In June, SGM sold 24,043 units, making it the top-selling automaker in China. Guangzhou Honda followed closely with 21,275 units, securing the second spot. While some Guangben dealers in certain cities quietly hinted at price reductions, the manufacturer clarified that these were not official actions. Meanwhile, in the new car segment, only the 2.0L luxury version of the Mazda 6 was announced in Qingdao. However, other developments like Renault Dongfeng’s joint venture and Midea’s investment in commercial vehicles also captured industry attention, adding a spark to what has been a rather sluggish market. According to the latest data, SGM not only claimed the top spot in sales but also saw a rise in market share. The shift marks the end of Shanghai Volkswagen’s 20-year dominance as the "National Sales Champion." Reports from SGM dealers in Shenzhen revealed that the brand achieved record sales, increasing from around 800 to over 1,000 units per month. Industry insiders had predicted that SGM would eventually overtake its rivals, and the June figures have confirmed this. While the "Buick Breakthrough 2005" strategy played a key role, the company's efficient marketing and service network have also contributed significantly to its success. This system allows for quick responses to market changes, giving SGM a competitive edge over both North and South Volkswagen. **Renault-Dongfeng Joint Venture: A New Chapter** During his visit to Beijing from June 22 to 24, 2004, Louis-Shi Weize, Chairman of Renault Group, met with Chinese government officials and Dongfeng Motor Corporation leaders to finalize plans for a joint venture. The project aims to begin production in 2006, with an initial target of 300,000 units over two phases. The Megane four-door sedan will be the first model assembled by the joint venture, followed by other models tailored for the Chinese market. This move comes after previous collaborations like Dongfeng-Nissan, and it further strengthens Dongfeng's position within the Renault-Nissan Alliance. With existing projects such as Dongfeng Peugeot and Dongfeng Citroen, Dongfeng is shaping up to become a major player in the automotive industry. **Price Reductions Spark Concerns** Reports suggest that some car dealers in Beijing are offering discounts, including a 12,000 RMB reduction on the Accord 3.0L and a 2,000 RMB discount on the popular 2.4L model. This contrasts sharply with the earlier situation where customers had to wait months to purchase an Accord. However, Guangzhou Honda clarified that these price cuts were not part of a broader strategy and emphasized that it would not engage in price reductions. Despite being limited to certain regions, this development has caused concern in the market, as it may signal the erosion of the domestic car pricing structure. **Beijing Jeep Reclaims Top Spot** According to authoritative data, Beijing Jeep Automobile Co., Ltd. remained the leading SUV manufacturer in the first half of 2004. The company sold 18,000 units, representing a 200% increase year-on-year. Its market share rose to 19.65%, showing a significant growth compared to the previous year. Beijing Jeep's strong performance can be attributed to product restructuring and strategic development. As one of China's largest SUV manufacturers, the company has built a comprehensive product and service network over the years, which has helped it regain its top position in the market. **Midea Invests Heavily in Commercial Vehicles** Midea recently laid the foundation for a bus base in Yunnan, investing 300 million yuan in the first phase. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 3,000 passenger cars. Midea plans to invest a total of 3.5 billion yuan over the next 3–5 years, aiming to achieve over 5 billion yuan in bus sales and rank among the top three in the domestic passenger car industry. This move highlights a growing trend as more companies look to the commercial vehicle sector, especially as the sedan market slows down and regulatory barriers make it harder for newcomers to enter. **GM and Ford Face Declining Sales** In the U.S., General Motors and Ford both reported significant declines in June sales. GM sold 380,000 units, a 15% drop compared to the same period last year. For the first half of 2004, GM's total sales increased by just 1%. Ford also saw a decline, with 287,000 units sold in June, a decrease of 8% year-on-year. Despite these challenges, both companies remain focused on the Chinese market, seeing it as a critical growth opportunity. **Conclusion** The auto market continues to evolve, with shifting dynamics and new players entering the scene. From SGM's rise to Renault's expansion and Midea's investment in commercial vehicles, the industry remains active and full of potential. As competition intensifies, the focus on innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction will be key to success. *Reporters: Gao Xiaoning and Xu Honghui, Shenzhen Business Daily*

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