China’s Oct Passenger Car Smartization Index Comes in at 35.9

The index decline stemmed primarily from slower growth in the overall passenger vehicle market and a month-on-month drop in new energy vehicle sales in October.

On November 28, the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) released the Smartization Index for passenger vehicles in October 2025.

The report shows that the Passenger Vehicle Smartization Index for October 2025 was 35.9, a slight decrease of 0.2 points month-on-month.

According to the report, this trend is primarily due to a slowdown in the overall passenger vehicle market growth and a month-on-month decline in new energy vehicle sales in October. A significant 64% month-on-month drop in Tesla’s October sales notably dragged down the overall index, becoming a key factor in its decline.

The Smart Cockpit Index was 38.2; the Smart Driving Index was 39.6; and the External Vehicle Intelligence Index was 19.4.

Currently, the Passenger Vehicle Smartization Index comprises three sub-indices: the Smart Cockpit Index, the Smart Driving Index, and the External Vehicle Intelligence Index.

In October 2025, the Smart Cockpit Index was 38.2, down 0.3 points month-on-month, indicating a minor pullback.

In October 2025, the Smart Driving Index was 39.6, down 0.5 points month-on-month, showing a slowdown in its growth trend.

In October 2025, the External Vehicle Intelligence Index was 19.4, up 0.9 points month-on-month, maintaining an overall upward trend.

In October 2025, retail sales in the national passenger vehicle market reached 2.25 million units, down 0.5% year-on-year but up 0.3% month-on-month. Within this, the NEV segment retailed 1.282 million units, up 7.3% year-on-year but down 1.3% month-on-month.

As the market enters the year-end sprint in November, despite narrowed policy coverage and weakened support leading to a gradual fading of their stimulative effect, the impending expiration of the NEV purchase tax exemption policy at year-end is driving automakers to introduce subsidies to offset the potential cost impact and stimulate demand. This is expected to further boost NEV sales.