China's auto industry got off to a good start in 2025 as both production and sales posted double-digit growth in the first quarter, driven by measures aimed at boosting auto consumption, industry data showed on Friday. 
According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China's total vehicle output surpassed 7.56 million units in the first three months of the year, marking a 14.5 percent increase compared with the same period last year. Sales rose by 11.2 percent, surpassing 7.47 million units. 

New energy vehicles (NEVs) output surged 50.4 percent year on year, totaling over 3.18 million units, while sales soared 47.1 percent year on year to nearly 3.08 million units, which accounted for 41.2 percent of total vehicle sales in the period, according to CAAM data. 

The association attributed the market growth to the expanding incentive programs designed to promote consumption.

"The passenger car market maintained its positive momentum, while the commercial vehicle market showed signs of recovery. A series of policies aimed at stimulating auto consumption have been extended and implemented more quickly. Looking ahead to the second quarter, the synergistic effects of these policies, along with new model launches at major auto shows and promotional campaigns across the country, will further unleash consumption potential and sustain market growth," said Chen Shihua, vice secretary-general of CAAM.

China's automotive exports also continued their upward trend. In the first quarter, the country exported 1.42 million vehicles, a 7.3 percent year-on-year increase. Notably, NEV exports surged by 43.9 percent to 441,000 units. 

The CAAM has voiced firm opposition to additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese products, calling the move disruptive to normal trade order and warning of a significant blow to the global automotive supply chain. 

"Confronted with complex and volatile external conditions, we must closely monitor developments while thoroughly implementing the national strategy to expand domestic demand, striving to mitigate negative export impacts and maintain stable industry operations," Chen said.