16:30 23-04-2026

Global new car market declines 3.5% in March 2026, driven by China and US slowdown

Global new car sales fell 3.5% in March 2026, with China and US drops outweighing growth in Brazil, India, and Europe. Emerging markets drive shift in demand.

The global new car market fell 3.5% in March 2026, reflecting a slowdown in demand across key regions. According to GlobalData, the decline was driven mainly by China and the US, the world's largest automotive markets.

Sales in China dropped 16.1%, while the US saw a 13.2% decrease. Canada also posted a negative result, with sales down 8.1%. Since these markets account for a significant share of global sales, their downturn directly impacted the overall figures.

On the other hand, several countries recorded strong growth. Brazil's sales surged 40.8%, India rose 16%, and South Korea gained 9.5%. Positive trends were also seen in Europe: Western Europe was up 10.8%, and Eastern Europe added 3.1%. Against this backdrop, the Russian market stood out with an unusual strength: new passenger car sales grew 31% in March. However, the commercial vehicle segment actually posted a decline.

This mixed performance points to a global shift in demand. As developed markets cool down, emerging economies continue to boost sales, changing the balance of power in the worldwide auto industry.