BYD tops February sales yet again

By: Linda Luo   2010-03-15

Automotive sales were slightly down in February 2010 due to the long holidays and the slightly shorter month. The BYD F3 has come in top of the ranks yet again. The F3 does seem to have pulled quite a lead over the nearest competition, but this is probably due to BYD's relative fame for making good quality cheap cars. BYD is aiming to produce 800,000 cars this year and does have lofty plans to become the world's biggest automaker by 2025. Both VW and GM are fighting it out in China for dominance, VW seems intent on running different generations of cars side by side whilst GM is relying on its clever branding strategy that pushes the Chevrolet brand towards younger buyers and the Buick brand towards more mature buyers.

   1. BYD F3 - 21,300

   2. VW Lavida - 16,300

   3. VW Santana - 15,800

   4. Buick Excelle - 14,500

   5. Honda Accord - 14,000

   6. Xiali - 13,800

   7. Chevrolet Cruze - 13,500

   8. Toyota Corolla - 12,800

   9. Hyundai Elantra - 12,200

  10. Hyundai Elantra Yue Xiang - 12,100

Despite recent excessive Toyota coverage, it appears to have not dampened Toyota Corolla sales in China, although we will have to wait for March sales to see if there has been any lasting damage to the Toyota brand in China. Hyundai are still performing well, and seem to be emulating the VW tactic of selling two generation models side by side which appeals to the fashion consciousness buyer and to the buyer that needs a cheap reliable car.