China's car sales maintained their growth pace in 2024 as sales of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in the world's largest auto market hit a record high amid a brutal price war and with subsidised trade-ins for greener vehicles driving purchases.

New car sales hit 1.95 million in 2024; EVs take 19.6 per cent share; Ford Puma is Britain’s best selling car, Volkswagen is Britain’s favourite car brand

China has renewed a trade-in subsidy of up to 20,000 yuan ($2,730) to help underpin sales of fuel-efficient vehicles, including electric cars and hybrids.

China's car sales in December rose 12.2% from a year earlier, the fourth consecutive monthly gain, data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) showed on Thursday. Sales totalled 2.66 million units last month and were up 5.

The electrified car market in China is growing rapidly and is expected to surpass combustion vehicle sales by 2025, ten years earlier than planned.