China Pickup Exports Jump 44% in June, Leading Auto Overseas Growth

The China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) released its June 2026 pickup market report on July 14.

Data show that exports continued to drive growth while domestic demand remained stable.

National pickup sales reached 62,000 units in June, up 29.1% year-on-year and 2.8% from May, representing the second-highest June level in the past five years.

Cumulative sales for the first half of 2026 totaled 343,000 units, up 11.9% from a year earlier.

Exports remained the key growth engine for the segment. China exported 38,000 pickup trucks in June, up 44% year-on-year and 6% from May. Cumulative exports during the first half reached 188,000 units, an increase of 34%.

Export penetration continued to climb. Overseas sales accounted for 45% of China’s pickup market in 2024, rising to 50% in 2025. The share reached 55% in the first half of 2026, hitting 61% in June alone.

The new energy pickup segment continues expanding, though at a slower pace. NEV pickup sales reached approximately 9,000 units in June, up 18% year-on-year but down 2% from May. Cumulative sales for January-June totaled 45,000 units, up 8%.

Among manufacturers, BYD sold 4,000 pickups overseas in June, up 6.9% year-on-year. Cumulative exports for the first half stood at 20,037 units, down 25.8%.

BYD’s first NEV pickup, the Shark, has completed regulatory filing in China. The model retains its global design with limited exterior changes. The domestic version will carry the Fangchengbao badge. The pickup is expected to launch in China in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Meanwhile, Geely Radar continued its growth trajectory. The brand sold 2,600 units in June, up 48.9% year-on-year. Cumulative sales in the first half reached 11,111 units, an increase of 40.5%.

Great Wall Motor remained China’s largest pickup manufacturer. The company sold 14,012 units in June, up 6.0% year-on-year. Cumulative sales during January-June totaled 92,512 units, down 3.9%.

Driven by overseas demand, SAIC Maxus, Zhengzhou Nissan, Changan Automobile, and JAC Motors all posted year-on-year growth exceeding 40% in June, underscoring the growing importance of exports as a sales driver.

SAIC Maxus sold 7,871 units in June, up 83.0%. Zhengzhou Nissan delivered 6,746 units, up 44.3%. Changan Automobile sold 6,595 units, up 42.7%. JAC Motors recorded 5,663 units, up 40.7%.

Exports have become the main growth driver for traditional pickup manufacturers, helping offset pressure in the domestic market.