Autos

Auto sales stall

Although total car sales growth this year has been lacklustre, small city demand is relatively strong.

Johnson Controls hit by safety allegations in China

The US battery maker has come under the spotlight for allegedly causing lead poisoning among children in the proximity of its Shanghai plant.

Rural wealth strengthens in August from July

Minivan sales growth, while still negative, recovered in August due to aggressive marketing and the recent harvest is expected to be relatively robust.

Auto sales appear modest in June and beyond

Two China Confidential surveys - one online and the other by visiting 64 dealerships in 10 cities - found a modest outlook for auto sales in June and beyond.

Toyota, Honda and BYD hit by poor reliability perceptions

Chinese consumers are turning cooler toward car brands such as Toyota (7203:TYO), Honda (7267:TYO) and BYD (1211:HKG) because of poor perceptions on their cars’ reliability, according to a China Confidential survey.

End of tax discounts to hurt domestic brand cars

The end of tax discounts on cars under 1.6l is deterring a fifth of urban middle class from purchasing cars and discouraging prospective buyers from opting for a smaller car, according to a China Confidential survey of 600 respondents in 134 first, second and third tier cities across China in late January. The trend is expected to hurt domestic brands which are most heavily focused on smaller compact cars.

Signs suggest growth slowing

Our survey data and grassroots research show several signs of slowing growth in January after a robust December.

Auto sales: A strong Q4, but more moderate 2011 in prospect

Our surveys show buoyant demand in November and December but 2011 may see a return to more moderate auto sales growth.

China's car market - Plenty of zip left

Our proprietary online survey reveals several key themes and trends driving the world's largest car market.

Toyota - Sliding reputation brings a meagre harvest

Toyota has been slipping down the rankings in China following its inability to adapt to demand in lower tier cities and political tensions with Japan tarnishing the brand.

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12 Jan 2012

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