Commercial vehicles have taken the lead in rising prices but want to go up?
Since the start of this year, discussions about whether car prices have increased have been ongoing and frequent. Recently, Bi Juhua, the vice general manager of Great Wall Motor, mentioned in an interview that rising raw material costs have put pressure on manufacturers, especially for companies producing heavy trucks and light trucks. This cost pressure has become a major challenge for these sectors.
At the same time, reporters observed that some light truck models in Dongguan have seen price increases. The phenomenon of rising prices in the light truck and heavy truck markets has drawn significant attention from industry insiders.
Last year, the number of motor vehicles in Dongguan reached nearly 130,000, with over 80,000 being passenger cars. This means that the passenger and commercial vehicle market accounts for about one-third of all vehicle sales in the region. Today, both light and heavy trucks are experiencing price hikes, which have sparked widespread concern.
Wu Changping, deputy general manager of New Donglian Motors, confirmed that FAW's light truck series has started to increase prices, with an average rise of between 1,000 and 2,500 yuan. Tong Qing, general manager of Qinghua Heqingtong, revealed that Auman heavy trucks have also raised their prices, while Iveco is still waiting to announce its adjustments. Other manufacturers are expected to follow suit soon.
Liu Wei, sales manager of Junyu Motors, stated that the JAC light truck series has also seen a broad price increase, ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 yuan. In addition to trucks, the light passenger vehicle market is also beginning to show signs of price increases. According to Tong Qing, the rise in steel prices and other raw materials has had a major impact on both the passenger and truck markets, making these price changes seem normal.
However, many passenger car manufacturers are hesitant to openly raise prices. As one insider put it, “We would like to increase prices, but we’re not ready to do so yet.†Consumers are particularly concerned about whether manufacturers will cut corners or raise after-sales costs instead of adjusting the listed price.
Industry experts suggest that reducing material usage—such as using thinner steel plates—is a possible strategy, but it’s unlikely that manufacturers would risk safety standards. Instead, they may cut non-visible features like leather seats or navigation systems. However, such changes are usually minor and not easily noticeable to consumers.
Another concern is whether car prices will remain stable or if manufacturers will raise after-sales costs. Some dealers have reported that they’ve been told by manufacturers to stock more spare parts, likely to offset production costs through higher part prices. One dealer admitted, “It’s clear that manufacturers will shift some of the burden onto after-sales services.â€
While some car brands have announced price increases, others are still offering discounts. For example, Qingling Motors has reduced the price of some pickup models, and even FAW-Volkswagen has introduced promotions, such as “one-dollar insurance†deals for the Magotan and discounts on the Bora. Meanwhile, models like the Dongfeng Peugeot 307 and Buick LaCrosse are seeing price cuts as new models are released.
In conclusion, the current automotive market is a mix of rising costs and fluctuating prices. While some segments are seeing price hikes, others are still offering discounts to attract buyers. This dynamic environment keeps both consumers and industry players on edge, as they navigate the balance between cost pressures and market demand.
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