The term “zero-mileage used cars” refers to a controversial practice in China’s automotive industry, where vehicles are registered and technically sold—often to affiliated dealers or third-party platforms—but have never been driven. These cars are then resold as used vehicles, despite having little to no mileage.
Automakers like BYD and Dongfeng have been implicated in this practice, which serves multiple purposes:
- Boosting Sales Figures: By registering these vehicles as sold, manufacturers can meet aggressive sales targets and report higher sales numbers.
- Inventory Management: This tactic helps in offloading unsold stock, especially in an industry facing overcapacity and intense price wars.
- Financial Incentives: In some cases, registering vehicles allows dealers to take advantage of government subsidies or export policies tied to vehicle registration status.
This phenomenon has raised concerns about market transparency and consumer protection. For instance, warranties on these vehicles typically begin at the time of registration, meaning buyers may lose months of coverage. Additionally, some models may come with unpaid loans or unclear ownership histories, exposing consumers to potential legal and financial issues.
In response to these concerns, China’s Ministry of Commerce convened a meeting on May 27, 2025, with key industry players, including BYD, Dongfeng, and used car platforms like Guazi. The discussions focused on tightening oversight of used car transactions and addressing fraudulent sales reporting. Officials are reportedly considering frameworks similar to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s approach to “channel stuffing,” a financial manipulation tactic where companies overstate revenue by pushing excess stock into distribution channels.