The pickup truck market demonstrated strong growth momentum in January 2026, with sales reaching 49,000 units, a 22.5% increase compared to the same period last year. This performance positions the market at its highest level for the month in the past five years. Production also saw robust expansion, with 52,000 pickup trucks manufactured during the same period, up 29.3% year-on-year.
Great Wall Motor Company Limited maintained its leading position in the pickup segment, showing steady performance both domestically and internationally. Supported by sustained growth in exports, companies such as Great Wall Motor, SAIC Maxus, JAC Motors, Changan Automobile, and Zhengzhou Nissan delivered strong results. In the domestic retail market, Great Wall Pickup, JMC Motors, Zhengzhou Nissan, RADAR Auto, and Jiangxi Isuzu performed well, continuing the pattern of one dominant player and several strong competitors.
Exports of pickup trucks reached 28,000 units in January 2026, increasing by 12% year-on-year but declining 13% month-on-month. The proportion of exports in total industry sales remained high. In 2024, exports accounted for 45% of total pickup sales, rising to 50% in 2025 and reaching 54% in January 2026. Many new Chinese pickup brands have experienced rapid growth through exports, contributing to the overall improvement in overseas sales of domestic pickup trucks.
Sales of new energy pickup trucks reached 6,000 units in January 2026, growing 18% year-on-year and 6% month-on-month. This growth rate significantly outpaced the overall pickup market. Compared to the surge in demand for electric light trucks for logistics, electrification represents the most effective way for commercial vehicles to gain road access privileges. With the ongoing trends of electrification and passenger vehicle adaptation, the pickup truck market's potential continues to expand.
Among new energy pickup sales in January, BYD Pickup sold 3,150 units overseas, Geely's RADAR electric pickup sold 1,241 units, Zhengzhou Nissan sold 785 units, and Changan's extended-range pickup sold 410 units. Other manufacturers also contributed notable volumes to the new energy segment. As the domestic new energy pickup market gains momentum and gradually matures, China's pickup truck industry is expected to develop more rapidly to meet growing demand both at home and abroad.
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