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China Targets ‘Zero-Mileage’ Used-Car Loophole as Auto Sales Slump

Beijing, China
May 28, 2025 (Updated: January 21, 2026) 2 Center Neutral I own a car
China Targets ‘Zero-Mileage’ Used-Car Loophole as Auto Sales Slump

TheWkly Analysis

Beijing, China: Regulators summoned major automakers and dealers to address the “zero-mileage” used-car trend—cars registered as used but never driven—allegedly inflating sales figures. With auto sales stagnating, dealers exploit tax or regulatory loopholes to market “new-but-used” vehicles at discounts. The government aims to bolster genuine consumer trust, worried about skewed data. BYD and Dongfeng Motor are among those called in.

Multiple perspectives analyzed from 0 sources
What this means for you:
In the next 2–4 weeks, if you’re hunting for imported Chinese cars, watch for abrupt pricing changes as dealers eliminate shady practices.
If operating a dealership, revise compliance procedures before new guidelines land—fines could be steep.
Over 3–6 months, expect the Chinese used-car market to realign; genuine used vehicles might see stable or increased prices.
International auto investors can anticipate short-term fluctuations—clampdowns may reduce sales volume but improve transparency.

Key Entities

  • China Ministry of Commerce: Leading the regulatory meeting.
  • BYD, Dongfeng Motor: Automakers summoned, reflecting industry-wide issues.
  • China Automobile Dealers Association: May support measures to standardize used-car definitions.

Multi-Perspective Analysis

Left-Leaning View

(No major coverage).

Centrist View

Focus on the regulatory crackdown’s impact on market stability.

Right-Leaning View

(No major coverage).

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