China's NEV penetration at retail is expected to be around 37.9 percent in September, up from 37.3 percent in August.

This means that the penetration rate of NEVs at retail is expected to be around 37.9 percent in September, up from 37.3 percent in August.

Sentiment in China's auto market did not wane in September, but it should be noted that price-sensitive consumers are once again in a wait-and-see mood, with a tendency to delay car purchases as discounts at stores continue, the CPCA said.

The survey showed that the overall discount rate for passenger cars in China was about 18.2 percent in mid-September, down slightly from mid-August, the CPCA said.

The average daily retail sales of major automakers were 43,900 in the first week of September and 52,200 in the second week.

In the third week, average daily retail sales are expected to rise to 58,600, up 7.0 percent year-on-year. This is mainly due to the upward pulse in quarter-end sales by carmakers, as well as consumers releasing demand ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival as well as the National Day holiday, according to the CPCA.

In the fourth week, with the long holidays approaching and fewer weekdays compared to the same period of last year, daily retail sales are expected to average 127,600 units, down 5.5 percent year-on-year, according to the CPCA.

China NEV retail sales in Sept 1-17 at 313,000, up 8% from same period last month