Ministry of Commerce's Geng Hongzhou: Promote the deep and practical advancement of the pilot reform of automobile circulation and consumption

On September 13, Geng Hongzhou, the first-level inspector of the Market Operation and Consumption Promotion Department of the Ministry of Commerce, stated at the 2025 China Automotive Industry Development International Forum that China's automobile production and sales have ranked first in the world for 16 consecutive years, with both vehicle ownership and export volume firmly in the top position globally, indicating huge consumption potential. However, the automobile ownership per thousand people in our country is only 250 vehicles, which still leaves significant room for growth compared to the mature markets of developed countries. Geng Hongzhou introduced that the next step for the Ministry of Commerce will be to vigorously boost consumption, comprehensively expand domestic demand, and promote high-quality development of the automotive industry. First, implement the vehicle trade-in policy effectively. Improve efficiency through data empowerment, ensuring that subsidy funds reach consumers in a timely and convenient manner. Second, deepen and solidify the pilot reforms of automotive circulation and consumption. Focus on automobiles and consumption, using reform methods to eliminate restrictive measures that hinder automotive consumption, promoting a shift from purchase management to usage management, and cultivating new growth points for automotive consumption with innovative thinking, such as developing automotive events and RV camping. Third, smooth the automotive recycling chain. Encourage enterprises to introduce world-class scrapped vehicle product equipment to enhance the level of refined and green dismantling; guide local areas to continuously strengthen cross-departmental comprehensive supervision, increase daily inspections and regulatory efforts, and severely crack down on illegal dismantling of scrapped motor vehicles and related violations; guide industry organizations and associations to play a bridging role, directing enterprises to operate in compliance with laws and regulations, strengthen industry self-discipline, and promote healthy industry development