German car exports fall while imports surge, China becomes top supplier

Data released by the Federal Statistical Office indicate that German automobile exports fell in quantity during the first seven months of the year compared with the previous year, affecting all powertrain types. Exports of combustion-engine cars, pure electric models and hybrids all registered declines. Conversely, imports of new cars rose, with China emerging as the leading source, accounting for a significant portion of the increase and overtaking previous suppliers like the Czech Republic and Spain.

The growth in imports was driven mainly by hybrids and electric vehicles, while imports of conventional engines fell. The United Kingdom, the United States and Italy together continued to represent roughly one-third of Germany's car export market, though shipments to the United States showed mixed trends across vehicle types.