Chinese Automakers Gain Momentum, Lifting National Car Sales

JAKARTA, Jakartaweekly.com – Chinese automotive brands recorded significant growth in Indonesia during January-August 2026, with several brands posting triple-digit increases in retail sales compared with the same period last year.

Data from the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (GAIKINDO) showed that retail car sales reached 594,984 units in January-August 2026, up 13.9% from 522,160 units in the same period last year.

The data showed that market growth in 2026 was not driven solely by established brands. Several Chinese automakers significantly increased their sales volumes, although some other Chinese brands continued to record declines.

Among Chinese brands, BYD emerged as one of the largest players by sales volume while also posting strong growth. BYD’s retail sales reached 35,289 units through August 2026, up 83.1% from 19,278 units in the same period last year. BYD held a 5.9% market share.

Jaecoo recorded an even sharper increase. The brand posted retail sales of 23,486 units, surging 7,998.6% from just 290 units in January-August 2025. In August alone, Jaecoo’s sales reached 3,300 units, compared with 290 units in the same month last year.

Geely also recorded a sharp increase in sales. During the first eight months of 2026, the brand’s retail sales reached 12,283 units, up 903.5% from 1,224 units in the same period in 2025.

Meanwhile, Xpeng recorded retail sales of 1,889 units through August 2026, up 961.2% from 293 units in the same period last year.

Other Chinese brands also recorded growth. MG posted a 120.7% increase in retail sales, while Jetour grew 459% during January-August 2026. Aion increased 10.9%, while Denza declined 52.3%.

Elsewhere, Wuling recorded retail sales of 11,540 units, down 7.8%. Chery also saw its sales decline 36.9% to 8,209 units.

The growth of Chinese brands was also reflected in wholesales, which represent deliveries from manufacturers or distributors to dealers. GAIKINDO data showed that BYD recorded 37,696 wholesales units in January-August 2026, up 98.5% from 18,989 units in the same period last year.

Jaecoo posted 23,834 wholesales units, up 5,341.6%, while Geely reached 12,510 units, surging 858.6%. Xpeng also grew 827.5% to 2,291 units, while Jetour increased 411.2% to 2,198 units.

Japanese brands, however, continued to dominate the market in terms of sales volume. Toyota recorded 172,871 retail sales with a 29.1% market share, followed by Daihatsu with 97,059 units and Suzuki with 48,554 units.