After testing times in recent years, the major Japanese OEMs will be encouraged by double-digit sales growth rates in China this year. They are well placed to benefit from tax cuts applying to smaller vehicles that will last till the end of 2016.

Nissan new vehicle sales for November jumped 22% on the year to 122,700 units. Toyota was up 13% in the month, Mazda by 10% and there was a 32% gain for Honda.

China's tax cut on vehicles with an engine displacement of 1.6 litres or less has provided a boost, but confidence has also returned after the sharp stock market reversals of the summer.

The sales tax cut, from 10% to 5%, affects vehicles with engines of 1.6-litres and less, which account for around 70% of the total passenger vehicle market. The move by the central government was part of a range of stimulus measures introduced this year to help lift domestic consumption as China's economy continues its transition from investment-led growth.

Sales of Nissan's mainstay sedan Sylphy, which qualifies for the tax cut, soared 59.3% to 38,491 units in November. Nissan's passenger vehicle sales were up 30% in November, and the full-year total is expected to exceed 1m for the first time.

The Toyota Corolla and Honda's Vezel and XR-V SUVs all qualify for the tax benefit and drove last month's sales recovery for the two brands.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.