In January 2026, China's new - force automakers witnessed shifts in their sales rankings, with an overall downward trend in sales. This situation can be attributed to several factors, including the exhaustion of demand after the year - end sales rush, the sluggish consumption period at the start of the year, and the reduction of purchase tax incentives.

In response to these market changes, automakers have initiated a series of financial strategies, akin to "financial wars."

Specifically, Hongmeng Intelligent Automotive Solution claimed the top spot in the rankings, with monthly sales nearing 58,000 units. However, its internal "five - brand" portfolio exhibited uneven growth. AITO accounted for nearly 70% of the sales, while brands like Luxeed underperformed.

Xiaomi Auto delivered over 39,000 units, with its flagship model being the YU7. The new SU7 is set to be delivered in April, and the company has plans to launch its first extended - range SUV in the third quarter.

Leapmotor delivered 32,000 units in January, marking a 27% year - on - year increase but a nearly 50% month - on - month decrease. In 2026, it aims to step up the launch of new models and enhance industrial cooperation.

Li Auto experienced declines in both year - on - year and month - on - month deliveries. To break through, it is focusing on consolidating its extended - range technology, boosting pure electric production capacity, optimizing channel efficiency, and placing bets on the AI and embodied intelligence sectors.

NIO delivered 27,000 units, showing a 96.1% year - on - year increase, mainly relying on the ES8 model. The company has adopted a "profit - centric" strategy.

XPENG delivered 20,000 units, with both year - on - year and month - on - month declines. It has embraced a "wide - net" strategy, introducing "one model with dual capabilities" and multiple new models. Simultaneously, it is expanding both domestically and internationally and plans to roll out the second - generation VLA.

The landscape of new - force automakers is undergoing reorganization, which can be categorized into three strategic camps: the "Aggressive Camp" (Hongmeng Intelligent Automotive Solution, Leapmotor), the "Steady Camp" (Xiaomi, XPENG), and the "Adjustment Period Camp" (NIO, Li Auto).

The competition in 2026 is set to enter a "stock game" phase. It will be of utmost importance to closely monitor the key developments of each automaker in the future.