Recently, discussions about “Chevrolet’s countdown to exit the Chinese market” have been increasing.
Previously, SAIC-GM’s General Manager Lu Xiao repeatedly denied rumors of Chevrolet’s withdrawal from China and pledged not to abandon the brand.
However, according to a 36Kr report today, an insider close to SAIC-GM claims that when Lu Xiao said “GM will not abandon Chevrolet,” he actually meant “GM will not abandon existing Chevrolet users.” SAIC-GM will take over after-sales services for Chevrolet users. Moreover, all Chevrolet projects not yet started (SORP) have been indefinitely delayed, and production projects will soon end (EOP).
In terms of market performance, Chevrolet’s sales in China have declined in recent years. From January to November 2024, cumulative sales reached only 47,000 units, a year-on-year drop of 70.32%. December sales were 5,700 units, with the Cruze being the top-selling model. The average monthly sales were just over 4,000 units. The situation did not improve obvious in 2025, with the annual sales target cut to 50,000 units, less than 7% of the 2014 peak of 767,000 units.
In the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, Chevrolet’s layout has lagged. In 2024, China’s NEV penetration reached 47.6%, but Chevrolet’s NEV models accounted for less than 5% of sales. Models like the Trailblazer Plus plug-in hybrid have a low market profile.
In addition, Chevrolet faces a wave of dealer network exits, suspended official after-sales services, and absence from the Shanghai Auto Show, all of which have fueled rumors of its market exit. As a brand once symbolizing American culture alongside baseball and hot dogs, whether it can turn around in China remains to be seen.
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