"Half an hour in the economy": When will the car price cut come to an end?
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October 04 11:17:31, 2025
China News Network reported that in the latest episode of "Economic Half Hour," attention was drawn to the automotive market. In September, a new wave of price cuts swept through the domestic auto market. Even those who had previously advertised their cars were now offering discounts and concessions. Under the guise of consumer purchases, automakers once again adjusted their prices, creating a rollercoaster for buyers. Let's take a closer look at how different manufacturers are performing.
In Beijing’s Asian Games Village Auto Market, one of the largest vehicle trading hubs, car price fluctuations reflect the overall trend of the market. Reporters found that this round of price reductions started with drops ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 yuan. Walking around the market, it became clear that car prices were plummeting rapidly. Dealers displayed various price-cut signs: some offered 3,000 yuan off, others 6,000, and some even gave up to 20,000 yuan discounts on certain models.
A dealer explained, “Primar has cut prices by about 10,000 yuan across the board. For example, a 1.6L model originally priced at 133,600 yuan is now 113,600.†The reporter noted that these price cuts affected nearly all well-known domestic brands. Not only were older models being discounted, but even newly launched cars like the Fit, Corolla, and Elantra were joining the price-cut trend.
Consumers also shared their observations. One said, “The Excelle Bora is now available for as low as 155,000 yuan.†However, some models that had recently been discounted were still not part of the current wave. For instance, the Dongfeng Citroen Elysee had already seen a 12,000-yuan discount in June, and now the discount was reduced to 6,700 yuan. A salesperson revealed that the Elysee had dropped by 10,000 yuan in March, 12,000 in June, and nearly 7,000 in recent weeks. Within six months, the price fell by almost 30,000 yuan, from 130,000 to 110,000 yuan, along with added benefits like third-party liability insurance and raffles.
Reporters also noticed that even after significant price cuts, there was still room for further negotiation. A dealer said, “If you want to buy it, we can give you an additional 2,000 to 3,000 yuan discount.†According to insiders, such practices are common in the auto market, where dealers often offer more discounts to retain customers.
Su Hui, a manager at the Asian Games Village Auto Market, summarized the current situation, noting that many brands, models, and price reductions were involved. He estimated that over 50 models had significantly lowered their prices, including the Cherokee, Dongfeng Citroen Senna, Beijing Hyundai Sonata, Elantra, Hainan Mazda Fumei, Shanghai Volkswagen Polo, FAW Toyota Corolla and Vios, and Guangzhou Honda Fit, among others.
Experts identified three main reasons behind the price cuts. First, the traditional “Golden Week†period, which includes the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, is a key time for car sales. Many dealers prepare promotions a month or even a month and a half in advance to attract buyers. Second, tightened bank credit policies have reduced consumer purchasing power, forcing dealers to lower prices to move inventory. Third, increased inventory pressures due to overproduction have forced manufacturers to cut prices to clear stock.
According to statistics, from January to July this year, 1.4489 million cars were produced, but only 1.3355 million were sold, leading to a surplus of over 100,000 vehicles. This excess inventory has pushed dealers to offer deeper discounts to meet sales targets.
Experts also pointed out that the increasing number of car brands and models has intensified competition. With over 40 domestic brands and dozens of new models introduced each year, manufacturers are under pressure to reduce prices to stay competitive.
Internationally, the situation differs. In the UK, car sales have remained steady, and price wars are rare due to strict regulations and a mature market dominated by a few large players. In contrast, China's auto market remains highly competitive, with frequent price cuts driving both consumers and dealers to adjust their strategies.
As the market continues to evolve, consumers are increasingly cautious, with 92% believing that car prices will continue to fall. While some are waiting for better deals, others are considering immediate purchases. However, the focus remains on quality and performance rather than just price.
With the automotive industry facing ongoing challenges, the future of car pricing remains uncertain. Yet, as the market adapts, the long-term goal remains clear: to provide value to consumers while maintaining a healthy and sustainable industry.