According to the latest report released by LMC Automotive, the global seasonally adjusted annualized sales of light vehicles in April 2025 were 92 million units per year, maintaining the upward trend in March. From the year-on-year data, the market showed strong growth for the month, with sales increasing by 6% to 7.32 million vehicles.

Both the Chinese and American markets have achieved strong year-on-year growth, while the Western European market continues to face challenges. The sales volume in the US market was released ahead of schedule in March, and this effect still exists. The sales volume in April was further boosted by this. In the Chinese market, sales have remained stable due to government stimulus measures. In contrast to the performance of the Chinese and American markets, sales in Western European markets have declined due to EU consumer confidence dropping to its lowest level in the past 17 months. The performance of each market is as follows:

North America

In April, the sales of light vehicles in the United States increased by 11.3% year-on-year to 1.47 million units, while the year-on-year growth rate adjusted for sales days was 7.0%. The seasonally adjusted annualized sales in April decreased from 17.8 million vehicles per year in March to 17.4 million vehicles per year. Due to consumers attempting to purchase cars before tariffs could lead to price increases, the early release effect of sales began to emerge in March, and this effect has not dissipated in April, but the sales pace seems to have slowed down in the second half of the month. This may indicate that the first wave of car buying frenzy has receded. The average transaction price of new cars has started to rise, reaching $46,054 in April, a year-on-year increase of $1,177, and this is still before the full impact of tariffs is fully manifested.

Canada's sales in April increased by 7.8% year-on-year to 179,000 vehicles, with seasonally adjusted annualized sales dropping from 2.05 million vehicles per year in March to 1.78 million vehicles per year, the lowest level since August 2024. A similar situation has also occurred in Canada as in the United States, where consumers are unwilling to wait for a possible increase in car prices and instead choose to buy a car immediately. In April, the sales of light vehicles in Mexico increased by 2.8% year-on-year to 116,000 units, and the seasonally adjusted annualized sales were basically the same as the previous month. Mexico has not imposed retaliatory tariffs on cars imported from the United States, and any economic impact of the trade war has not yet been apparent.

Europe

In April, the seasonally adjusted annualized sales of light vehicles in the Western European market slightly increased to 12.8 million units per year, with a year-on-year decline of over 2%. The cumulative sales of light vehicles from January to April also decreased by 2%. The region is currently facing multiple economic challenges, with sales in major markets such as Germany and France stagnating. In addition, consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since November 2023, highlighting widespread concerns about the region's economic prospects.

The seasonally adjusted annualized sales of light vehicles in the Eastern European market increased to 4.3 million units per year in April. The sales volume for the month decreased slightly by 1% year-on-year, slightly better than the sluggish performance in the previous two months. Although seasonally adjusted annualized sales in the Russian light vehicle market increased by 16%, sales decreased by 26% year-on-year. The promotional activities offering significant discounts have temporarily boosted sales in the Russian market, but due to high interest rates and the fading hope of European and American brands returning to the country's market, consumers have postponed their car buying behavior, and the industry is calling for government intervention to support the automotive industry. Light vehicle sales in Türkiye continue to maintain a good momentum, and consumers in the country continue to regard cars as a guarantee against hyperinflation.

China

In April, China's light vehicle sales are expected to increase by 12% year-on-year, reaching around 2.1 million units. Among them, passenger car sales reached 1.8 million units, a year-on-year increase of 12.5%, and seasonally adjusted annualized sales were 24 million units/year. The cumulative sales of passenger cars from January to April increased by 12.2% year-on-year, reaching 7 million units. The performance of passenger car sales is attributed to government subsidies. The government has extended the policy of subsidizing scrapped cars for trade in until the end of 2025 this year, which not only stimulates demand in the domestic automobile market but also promotes the relaxation of car purchase restrictions.

A temporary agreement has been reached in the China US trade negotiations, with both sides reducing tariffs on each other until August 10th, which has to some extent eased the pressure on China's huge export market. Against the backdrop of trade uncertainty, the demand for trade with China continues to decline.

Rest of Asia

Due to the negative impact of last year's vehicle certification scandal on automobile production and sales, the year-on-year base was relatively low. In April, Japan's light vehicle sales achieved double-digit year-on-year growth for the fourth consecutive month. The seasonally adjusted annualized sales in April increased significantly to 5.4 million vehicles per year, a 44% increase from March. The previous accident at Chuo Spring's factory resulted in a recent slump in light vehicle sales in the country. The negative impact of the accident has now been eliminated, and vehicle supply for Daihatsu and Suzuki has returned to normal in April. In addition, various car companies are solving the problem of backlog orders by increasing vehicle supply.

From the perspective of seasonally adjusted annualized sales, the sales of light vehicles in South Korea have maintained a growth momentum, with passenger car sales dominating the market. Driven by the launch of new pickup truck models, light vehicle sales in the country increased by 7% year-on-year in April, outperforming the 2% year-on-year increase in sales in March. Both domestic and imported car sales have achieved positive growth for the third consecutive month, with year-on-year growth rates of 7% and 4%, respectively.

South America

In April, Brazil's light vehicle sales decreased by 5.4% year-on-year to 197,000 units. However, when the menstrual season adjusted annualized sales increased from 2.41 million vehicles/year in March to 2.47 million vehicles/year. Considering that last year's Easter was in March and this year's is in April, sales this month may be affected by a decrease in sales days. Nevertheless, when the menstrual season was adjusted, the annualized sales still reached a new high for the year. At present, despite the rise in interest rates, the Chinese market is still performing well thanks to the increasing influence of Chinese car companies in the local area.

In April, sales in the Argentine market surged to nearly 51,000 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 63.3%. Although the country's market sales achieved significant year-on-year growth in the first four months of 2025, the seasonally adjusted annualized sales in April reached 664,000 vehicles per year, setting a record high since the beginning of the year and also the highest level since August 2018. With the recent tax reduction policies for multiple car models, coupled with the increase in imported car models and economic growth, the country's car sales have soared significantly.

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