Chevy May Be Discontinued In China As Sales Plummet | Carscoops

      It is thought that SAIC-GM may take over the after-sales network and maintenance for local Chevrolet vehicles.

      10 hours ago

      By Brad Anderson

      Reports indicate that General Motors has canceled plans for three new Chevrolet models in China.

      These models included an all-electric SUV, a flagship SUV, and a new Trailblazer.

      Chevrolet's sales have dropped significantly from 641,320 in 2018 to merely 52,774 in 2024.

      The relationship between Chevrolet and China, once a vital market, has faced considerable challenges in recent years. Over the past six years, sales have plummeted dramatically, akin to a base jumper who forgot their parachute. While the jumper might find a way to recover, Chevy appears to lack a contingency plan, and it seems the company could be on the verge of exiting China entirely.

      According to a recent report from the Chinese publication Zaker, Chevrolet has indefinitely postponed three key projects, all of which were in the pre-production stage. Internally referred to as C223, C1YC-2, and D2UC-2 ICE, these projects had ambitious goals. The C223 was expected to be an all-electric SUV, the C1YC-2 was to be the brand's flagship SUV, and the D2UC-2 ICE was meant to be a refreshed version of the Chevrolet Trailblazer. However, as of now, all three initiatives appear to be effectively stalled.

      More alarmingly, the same report revealed that production of all current Chevrolet models in China is set to cease soon. This further indicates that the brand is reducing its operations in the country, casting doubt on its future there.

      General Motors has not officially stated that Chevrolet will exit China. Nonetheless, SAIC-GM general manager Lu Xiao reportedly refuted claims of the brand's withdrawal, labeling them as "fake news." He added, “we will not give up on Chevrolet,” though it seems his remarks were directed toward reassuring existing Chevrolet customers.

      One insider suggests that Lu was indicating that SAIC-GM intends to take over the after-sales network and maintenance of Chevrolet vehicles in China.

      Examining Chevrolet’s sales in China illustrates why GM is losing interest. In 2018, Chevrolet sold 641,320 vehicles in China, securing a 2.8% market share. However, that figure dropped sharply to 512,455 in 2019 and further declined to just 309,155 units in 2020.

      The downward trend continued: in 2021, Chevrolet sold only 269,261 units, followed by 231,111 in 2022 and 168,588 in 2023. The situation has worsened in 2024, with sales plummeting to 52,774 vehicles. According to Car News China, only 5,314 Chevys were sold in the first four months of this year.