China’s Pickup Truck Sales Fall in May, While New Energy Models Gain Ground

China’s pickup truck market saw a continued slowdown in May, with total sales falling to 22,217 units, down 12.7% from April and 8.34% year over year, according to the latest industry data. It marks the third consecutive month of year-on-year decline. From January to May, total sales reached 118,354 units, representing a 4.65% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Despite the overall decline, sales of new energy pickups—including battery electric and hybrid models—continued to grow. In May, electric pickups rose 86.82% year over year to 1,403 units, while hybrid models increased 109.62% to 654 units, signaling a shift in market preference away from traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles.

Diesel pickups remained the most popular, accounting for 15,176 units in May, down 12.12% year over year. Gasoline models fell by 16.6% to 4,793 units.

Western Provinces Lead Regional Sales

Western China continued to drive demand, with Xinjiang topping all provinces at 10,437 units sold between January and May. Yunnan and Sichuan followed with 8,323 and 7,618 units, respectively. Nine out of 31 provincial-level regions recorded year-over-year growth, primarily in central and western areas, reflecting strong market resilience in those regions.

Changan Emerges as Monthly Standout

Among the top 10 brands in May, Great Wall led with 10,011 units, followed by JMC (3,344), Zhengzhou Nissan (2,712), Jiangxi Isuzu (1,512), and RADAR (984). Other brands in the top 10 included Foton, JAC, Ford, Changan, and SAIC Maxus.

Changan was the only brand to post gains in month-over-month, year-over-year, and cumulative sales, making it the strongest performer in May. RADAR also showed robust growth, with a 58.2% year-over-year increase and nearly 140% growth in the first five months. Zhengzhou Nissan, JAC, and RADAR also reported higher cumulative sales compared to the previous year.

Market Share Shows Minor Shifts

Great Wall maintained its lead with a 47.16% market share from January to May, slightly below last year’s 48.44%. JMC followed at 14.13%. Zhengzhou Nissan’s share rose to 9.95% from 7.73% last year, while RADAR and JAC improved their rankings.

New Energy Segment Continues Expansion

In total, 2,057 new energy pickups were sold in May, up 93.51% from the same period in 2024. The top five NEV brands were RADAR (984 units), Changan (523), Zhengzhou Nissan (301), JMC (93), and Great Wall (90). From January through May, new energy pickup sales reached 8,425 units, an increase of 109.47% year over year, accounting for 7.12% of the overall market.

Pure electric models made up more than 70% of NEV sales. Changan led the hybrid segment with 2,089 units, although it faces increasing competition from newcomers such as Great Wall and Zhengzhou Nissan.