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.
China's auto output, sales see robust growth in Q1 amid consumption incentives
The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the Ninth Special Olympic Games will conclude on Monday, with a full-dress rehearsal for the closing ceremony held Saturday night at Shenzhen Sports Center.
Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the rehearsal seamlessly integrated artistic performances with core ceremonial elements, including the entrance of sports delegations, flag reception, flag raising, and the singing of national anthem.
The ceremony aims to highlight themes of inclusion and unity, underlining the spirit of perseverance, solidarity, and determination. Messages of harmony between disabled and non-disabled individuals, shared values across the Greater Bay Area, and collective progress were central to the evening's presentation.
A total of 600 performers are participating in the closing ceremony, including about 130 persons with disabilities. Organizers worked to ensure a supportive environment by pairing each visually impaired performer with a non-disabled guide to assist during rehearsals and performances.
Behind the scenes, thoughtful design turns inclusiveness into action. Though visitors will see a simple, elegant stage, hidden modifications make it fully accessible. Traditional stairs have been replaced with ramps on both sides of the stage to accommodate wheelchair users and all performers, and anti-slip carpets have been laid throughout to ensure safety, especially for performers with mobility challenges.
Technical teams are also fine-tuning every detail, including stage visuals and lighting effects.
A total of 7,824 athletes from 34 delegations registered for this year's Games, held for the first time jointly across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Greater Bay Area. The competition includes 1,876 events in 46 sports, with six winter sports already concluded. Highlights also include 131 events in 11 mass-participation sports and 599 events in nine Special Olympics sports.
Under the slogan "Passionate National Games, Vibrant Greater Bay Area," the Games are also being used to promote innovation in assistive technologies. A range of advanced products will be put into use during competition, helping move technologies from laboratories into real-world testing and market application.
Full-dress rehearsal for National Para Games' closing ceremony held in Shenzhen
