Shanghai (ZXZC)- China's Changan Automobile sold 159,848 vehicles in September, down by 8% from the year-ago period, according to the automaker's announcement.

Due to the sharp decrease before July, the carmaker still suffered a rather big decrease of 23.6% in year-to-date sales.

Besides, 965 new energy vehicles were sold in September, making the Jan.-Sept. NEV sales volume total 29,048 units.

Regarding the performance of each subsidiary, Hefei Changan boasted the biggest year-on-year growth in Sept. sales and the smallest decline in year-to-date sales. The Hefei-based subsidiary has received RMB 300 million worth of subsidy for the new model R&D and RMB 121 million of subsidy for fixed asset investment from Hefei High-tech Industrial Development District.

Two major joint ventures—Changan Ford and Changan Mazda—recorded double-digit decline in Sept. sales. In late September, Changan Automobile cemented the partnership with Ford Motor to speed up the product upgrade and manufacturing strength of their joint venture, namely, Changan Ford.

To boost sales, Changan Ford is to roll out at least 18 new models over the next three years. The first China-built Lincoln-branded SUV model is scheduled to be mass produced at the joint venture's plant this year. Besides, the Ford Explorer will be locally produced next year, said Changan Automobile.

Among vehicles sold last month, 116,015 units came from Changan's self-owned brands, according to Changan Automobile's WeChat account.

（Photo source: Changan Automobile)

The social media's posting shows that the Sept. sales volume of the CS75 SUV was 20,190 units, shooting up 67.2% from a month ago and surging 45.8% from a year ago. Its robust sales growth partly resulted from the launching of the CS75 PLUS on September 5.

Meanwhile, the sales volume of both CS35 and CS55 showed month-on-month growth of over 20%.

Furthermore, the automaker also sold 10,167 EADO sedans.