The "Golden September" of the bus market fell short of expectations in September 2026, failing to sustain the year-on-year and month-on-month double growth seen in August.
January–September 2026: Six Manufacturers Achieve Year-on-Year Growth
Total industry sales of buses ≥6 meters reached 87,076 units in the first nine months, down 2.18% year-on-year.
Yutong Bus topped the league with cumulative sales of 24,987 units and a 28.70% market share. Notably, Yutong's total sales far exceeded the combined volume of the second and third-ranked manufacturers, a clear testament to market recognition of its product quality.
Zhongtong Bus ranked second with 11,045 cumulative units, growing 22.59% year-on-year and capturing a 12.68% market share, showing outstanding growth resilience.
Higer Bus stayed in third place with 8,005 units, a slight year-on-year rise of 0.72% and a 9.19% market share.
Golden Dragon Bus held 4th position with 6,424 units and a 7.38% market share.
Ankai Bus maintained 5th with 5,652 units sold, up 4.42% year-on-year and with a 6.49% market share.
In September 2026, 27 major bus manufacturers sold a total of 11,178 buses of 6 meters and above, a year-on-year drop of 13.41% and a month-on-month decline of 3.11%.
Industry analysts attribute the double decline in September bus sales to the high base figure of the same period last year and the phased completion of new-for-old replacement programs for new energy public buses in some regions. Although the overall industry cooled slightly, leading players demonstrated strong resilience, while mid-tier and smaller manufacturers faced accelerated market consolidation.
September: Yutong Captures Over 30% Market Share; Ankai Surges 142.32% Month-on-Month
In the September monthly sales ranking, the top 10 manufacturers registered combined sales of 9,843 units, accounting for approximately 88.06% of the market. Yutong Bus secured more than 30% market share. Competition intensified among mid-ranking enterprises, while brands including Ankai Bus posted remarkable month-on-month growth.
Yutong Bus retained the top spot with 3,415 units sold, up 4.72% month-on-month and holding a 30.55% market share. Amid the overall year-on-year market decline, Yutong was the only manufacturer with monthly sales exceeding 3,000 units, and its market share rose further from August, consolidating its leading position.
Zhongtong Bus remained second with 1,088 units, taking a 9.73% market share. It has held this ranking for three consecutive months, sustaining the long-standing "Yutong & Zhongtong leading the market" pattern.
Golden Dragon Bus jumped from 5th place in August to 3rd with 997 units sold, rising 1.94% year-on-year and 32.23% month-on-month, with an 8.92% market share.
Ankai Bus climbed out of the top 10 in August to rank 4th, delivering 899 units, up 9.77% year-on-year and a sharp 142.32% month-on-month, representing an 8.04% market share.
BYD moved up from 8th in August to 5th with 739 buses sold, a year-on-year increase of 97.07% and a 27.41% month-on-month rise, holding a 6.61% market share.
