The inventory early warning index of Chinese car dealers in August was 52.8%.

Published: Sep 7, 2020 10:20

SMM Network News: close to Jinjiu Silver Ten, the inventory pressure of car dealers has been significantly reduced. According to the latest "inventory early warning Index Survey of Chinese Automobile Dealers" VIA (Vehicle Inventory Alert Index), the inventory early warning index of automobile dealers in August 2020 was 52.8%, down 9.9% from the previous month and 0.5% from the same period last year. Although the inventory early warning index is still above the rise and fall line, the overall circulation of cars has improved.

According to the sub-index, the market demand index, average daily sales index, employee index and operating condition index increased month-on-month in August, which is the direct source of the reduction of inventory pressure. From an index point of view, the inventory index dropped 6.3% month-on-month compared with July, with a marked improvement. In August, manufacturers encourage inventory digestion, but the phenomenon of dealers exchanging volume with price still exists. The increase in sales does not mean an increase in profits and profits. 4S stores still need to be on guard against operational risks.

However, the degree of improvement of each brand varies, including imported and luxury brands driven by consumer upgrading and additional purchase demand, the inventory index fell 11.5% compared with July, entering the boom range, followed by mainstream overseas brands, the index fell 10.6% to 54.7% month-on-month. Chinese brand inventory is relatively slow, down only 4.9% from July, and the August index is still high. It can be seen that the pressure on Chinese brands and their dealer system is still great.

From the perspective of regional index, in August, the national total index was 52.8%, the north index was 53.2%, the eastern index was 52.7%, the western index was 49.7%, and the southern index was 57.1%. The greatest inventory pressure in the south is due to the decline in the rate of consumers arriving at stores due to the impact of the flood season and typhoons in the south, and there is no significant change in inventory pressure compared with July.

Editor's comments:

On the whole, the economic improvement in August, coupled with policies such as going to the countryside and recycling subsidies, and the rigid demand for car purchases during the 818 car purchase Festival and the school season, have released the purchasing power of consumers, led to an increase in sales and reduced inventory pressure. Looking forward to September, due to entering the peak season of traditional consumption, coupled with factors such as the stacking of new cars and the Beijing Auto Show, the car market may continue to improve; however, it should still be noted that the impact of the epidemic on people's purchasing power and economic level still exists, coupled with the continued downward trend of the car market, it is not appropriate to be overly optimistic, and dealers still need to reasonably control the level of car inventory. (

"Click to understand and sign up: 2020 China Automotive New Materials Application Summit Forum

Scan the QR code above to view the business cards of the participating companies and sign up online

Scan the code and apply to join the SMM Automotive Industry Exchange Group.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
"Premier Li Qiang Leads State Council Meeting on Enhancing Effective Investment, Boosting Economic Growth"
Feb 6, 2026 23:56
"Premier Li Qiang Leads State Council Meeting on Enhancing Effective Investment, Boosting Economic Growth"
Read More
"Premier Li Qiang Leads State Council Meeting on Enhancing Effective Investment, Boosting Economic Growth"
"Premier Li Qiang Leads State Council Meeting on Enhancing Effective Investment, Boosting Economic Growth"
Premier Li Qiang presided over an executive meeting of the State Council to study policy measures for promoting effective investment. The meeting noted that promoting effective investment plays an important role in stabilizing economic growth and strengthening momentum for development. It is necessary to innovate and improve policy measures, and intensify efforts to enhance the efficiency of utilizing funds such as central budget investments, ultra-long-term special treasury bonds, local government special bonds, and new-type policy-based financial instruments. In conjunction with formulating and implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan
Feb 6, 2026 23:56
"Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Implement 20th CPC Congress Spirit, Apply New Development Philosophy...
Feb 6, 2026 23:54
"Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Implement 20th CPC Congress Spirit, Apply New Development Philosophy...
Read More
"Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Implement 20th CPC Congress Spirit, Apply New Development Philosophy...
"Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Implement 20th CPC Congress Spirit, Apply New Development Philosophy...
Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the plenary sessions of the Party’s 20th Central Committee, fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy, strengthen top-level design, build computing power interconnection nodes oriented toward national hub periods, major strategic regions, and key industries, establish a system of computing power interconnection nodes, improve the efficiency and service level of public computing power resources, and promote high-quality development of computing power.
Feb 6, 2026 23:54
Indirect Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Show Progress, Omani FM Mediates Tense but Efficient Discussions
Feb 6, 2026 23:47
Indirect Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Show Progress, Omani FM Mediates Tense but Efficient Discussions
Read More
Indirect Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Show Progress, Omani FM Mediates Tense but Efficient Discussions
Indirect Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Show Progress, Omani FM Mediates Tense but Efficient Discussions
After intensive indirect consultations, the new round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US in Muscat, the capital of Oman, has achieved phased progress. It is reported that during this round of talks, the Iranian and US delegations did not meet directly. Instead, Omani Foreign Minister Badr acted as an intermediary, conveying a series of core proposals, strategic concerns, and policy positions to the other side. The atmosphere at the talks was tense yet efficient. According to preliminary on-site assessments, although both sides continue to negotiate over specific terms, they have reached a consensus on the key objective of "continuing dialogue."
Feb 6, 2026 23:47
The inventory early warning index of Chinese car dealers in August was 52.8%. - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)