‘Golden September’ loses luster, underscoring growing reliance on exports

20261008 beijing dealership

A BYD dealership in Shanghai: Chinese automakers face declining domestic sales, forcing them to rely more heavily on export growth. © Reuters

GLORIA LI

October 12, 2026 15:46 JST

HONG KONG — China recorded its sharpest drop in monthly passenger car sales so far this year, dashing many carmakers’ hopes for a revival of domestic demand in the traditional peak shopping season.