China Automotive Pick-Up Trucks

A May and October 2022 State Council notice signaled an easing of restrictions on pick-up trucks’ driving regulations. 

Under Central Government guidance, Shanghai, Chongqing, Tianjin, Hebei, Hainan, Fujian, Guangxi, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Jiangsu and Zhejiang have all eased their pick-up truck driving restriction regulations, and over half of the provincial capital cities have recently lifted their restrictions. Some of the major cities now allow pick-up trucks to either enjoy the same treatment as passenger vehicles or allow pick-up trucks with local car plates and access placards to enter the central areas during peak hours. The recent trends of these lifted restrictions and the change of young people’s perception of pick-up trucks, from a utilitarian tool to a symbol of free and active lifestyle, have triggered this market’s upward momentum in China. 

Select U.S. pick-up truck models are well-known in the Chinese market, but the import and sales of such models has been impacted by driving restrictions and vehicle classification challenges. The elimination of driving restrictions might provide an opportunity for U.S. branded pick-up trucks in the Chinese market.     
 
China become the world’s second largest pickup truck market in 2020, with a reported sales of 452,000 units. China sold 550,000 units of pick-up trucks in 2021, with a year-on-year growth of 14%, and sold over 265,000 units in the first half of 2022, with a year-on-year decrease of 5.19% due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. 

For further information, please contact a representative from the CS China Auto Team: 

Beijing: Ms. Jessica Tan, feng.tan@trade.gov   
Guangzhou: Mr. Karic Chen, karic.chen@trade.gov   
Shanghai: Ms. Lisa Ouyang, lisa.ouyang@trade.gov 
Shenyang: Ms. Dongmei Sun, Dongmei.sun@trade.gov  
Wuhan: Ms. Catherine Le, Catherine.le@trade.gov