If memory serves me right, the first domestically produced pure electric vehicle to outperform Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y in sales was the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV, manufactured by SAIC-GM-Wuling. How impressive were its sales figures? Let's delve into the details.

In July 2020, the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV made its debut as a micro pure electric vehicle with an entry-level price tag of less than 30,000 yuan. Back then, few anticipated that such an affordable pure electric vehicle would create a sales phenomenon. It not only claimed the top spot in its segment but also pioneered the domestic micro pure electric vehicle market. Prior to the MINIEV's arrival, Wuling's main focus was in the micro-van sector.

Following its launch, the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV swiftly ascended to become the sales leader in the domestic pure electric vehicle market and ranked among the top three best-selling pure electric vehicles worldwide. Its popularity also catapulted SAIC-GM-Wuling into the top tier of domestic new energy vehicle manufacturers in terms of sales.

A review of the sales data reveals that the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV sold 128,000 units within just five months of its launch that year. By 2021, annual sales soared past 426,000 units. In 2022, it reached its zenith, setting an annual sales record of 554,000 units. That same year, despite numerous automakers introducing micro pure electric vehicles to compete with the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV, replicating its success proved to be a formidable challenge.

In 2023 and 2024, sales of the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV experienced a downturn, failing to exceed 300,000 units for two consecutive years. However, in 2025, sales rebounded, reaching 440,000 units for the year. It secured the second spot in domestic vehicle sales, trailing just behind the Geely Xingyuan. As of the first half of this year, cumulative sales of the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV have surpassed 1.95 million units, making it the global sales champion for micro pure electric vehicles for 72 consecutive months—emphasizing the global, not just domestic, market.

Thus, it is clear that the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV has earned its moniker as the "internet-famous miracle car."

However, as previously mentioned, sales of the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV did witness a significant decline in 2023 and 2024. What led to this downturn? The answer is straightforward: the introduction of models like the BYD Seagull and Geely Xingyuan. Although these vehicles are priced slightly higher than the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV and other representative micro pure electric vehicles, they offer substantial enhancements in driving quality, technological features, interior space, safety performance, and driving range. Moreover, the price difference is merely around 10,000 to 20,000 yuan. For a modest additional cost, consumers can indulge in a superior driving experience—how could they resist? This is the primary factor behind the decline in sales of pure electric vehicles priced under 50,000 yuan.

According to the latest data released by the China Passenger Car Association, sales in the domestic microcar market plummeted by 61.3% year-on-year in the first seven months of this year. Sales of several micro pure electric vehicles dropped by more than 60%. From January to July this year, among the top 10 models in the domestic pure electric vehicle market priced under 100,000 yuan, only the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV and Bestune Xoma made the cut. The Wuling Hongguang MINIEV ranked third, selling 83,257 units. The Bestune Xoma ranked tenth, with sales of 30,276 units.

In essence, in today's domestic pure electric vehicle market priced under 100,000 yuan, only the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV and Bestune Xoma remain formidable contenders. The remaining models are primarily small pure electric vehicles such as the Geely Xingyuan, BYD Dolphin, BYD Seagull, All-New Chery QQ3, Wuling Bingguo Pro, Wuling Bingguo S, and Arcfox Beta T1.

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