The new gen Land Cruiser helps lift Toyota imports sales in China.

Sales of new imported cars in China sink -13.2% year-on-year in May to just 50,712 units, leading to a year-to-date tally off -9.3% to 262,801. Lexus (+8.3%) goes against the negative market to extend its lead over the brands ranking. Mercedes (-32.7%) ranks 2nd but implodes year-on-year while BMW (+5.4%) stays at its usual third place. Porsche (-40.3%) and Audi (-21.5%) struggle but both pass Land Rover (+5.4%) down two spots on last month to #6. Jaguar (+55.4%), Toyota (+51.3%) and Mini (+49.2%) stand out below.

Model-wise, the Lexus ES (+14.8%) widens the gap with the rest of the market by posting one of only two year-on-year lifts in the Top 11. In contrast the Mercedes GLE (-25%) and Lexus RX (-16%) both fall even faster than the market to round out the podium. The Volvo XC90 (-0.8%) is up four ranks on April to #4 with the Land Rover Defender (-1%) also relatively solid at #5. The Range Rover (+1.1%) is the only additional gainer in the remainder of the Top 11. Further down, the Toyota Alphard (+11.6%), Mercedes Maybach S-Class (+9.8%), BMW 7 Series (+16.5%) and Toyota Land Cruiser (+1240.4%) also shine.

Previous month: China imports April 2024: Lexus ES distant leader, Range Rover up to #5

One year ago: China imports May 2023: Audi shines, Porsche places three models in Top 7

Full May 2024 Top 40 All brands and Top 155 All models below.