Chinese media Kuai Technology on the 7th published an article titled "Chinese people no longer blindly believe in imported cars; imports of completed vehicles from January to May saw a significant decrease of over 10%".

According to the article, total imports of completed vehicles from January to May were 163,000 units, a 10.6% decrease from the same period last year, according to a summary by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. In terms of value, this was a 19.2% decrease to 7.54 billion dollars (approximately 1.22148 trillion yen).

For May alone, imports were 38,000 units, an 18.6% decrease from the same month last year, but a 40.4% increase from the previous month. In terms of value, this was a 25.0% decrease to 1.63 billion dollars (approximately 264.06 billion yen).

Full-year imports for 2025 are 480,000 units, a nearly 70% decrease from 1.43 million units in 2014. While BMW saw a 62% year-on-year decrease to 64,400 units, Mercedes-Benz a 37% decrease to 94,800 units, and Audi also a significant 41% decrease, Lexus recorded a rare positive growth among imported car brands with a 2% increase to 184,000 units.

On the other hand, exports of completed vehicles from January to May increased by 48.7% year-on-year to 4.238 million units, and for May alone, increased by 42.2% year-on-year to 988,000 units.

The article stated, "From 1.43 million units to 480,000 units. This figure confirms that the golden age of imported cars in China has come to an end." (Translated and Edited by Yanagawa)