Chinese Consumer Complaints Reveal Padding of Car Sales Figures

A growing number of consumer complaints in China have exposed a widespread tactic among automakers and dealers to inflate car sales in response to an intensifying price war in the world’s largest auto market, Reuters reported.

EV brands Neta and Zeekr had allegedly arranged for vehicles to be insured before being purchased—effectively inflating sales numbers and creating the illusion of meeting periodic targets. (Photo: NETA)

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that EV brands Neta and Zeekr had arranged for vehicles to be insured before being purchased—effectively inflating sales numbers and creating the illusion of meeting periodic targets.

However, this controversial tactic isn’t limited to just those two companies.

A Reuters analysis of 97 consumer complaints posted across three widely used Chinese websites shows the practice has broader industry reach.

Complaints reviewed were submitted to platforms like 12365auto.com—a third-party site for consumer dispute resolution—as well as two other similar services. These platforms require users to verify their identity and provide proof for their claims.

In more than a dozen cases, consumers said dealerships admitted the tactic was specifically used to meet sales quotas. Allegations involve some of China’s largest domestic and joint-venture brands, including BYD, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Buick.

These foreign brands operate in partnership with state-owned giants GAC and SAIC Motor Group.

Although the earliest complaints date back to 2021, the majority were filed in 2024 and 2025, as the price war increasingly strained China’s vital auto industry and its role in the country’s export-driven economy.