The number of import car dealerships can vary greatly due to multiple factors. First, there are significant differences between brands. For instance, well-known luxury brands may have relatively more dealerships to cover a broader market, while niche import brands tend to have far fewer.
Second, regional differences also affect dealership distribution. Economically developed areas like first-tier cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) have higher demand for import cars, leading to denser dealership networks. In contrast, third- or fourth-tier cities and remote areas have fewer dealerships.
Take Zhongshitong as an example—it has dealerships in multiple major cities across China, covering regions like East China, South China, and North China. However, it's challenging to provide an exact nationwide count of import car dealerships because the market is dynamic. New dealerships may open while others might close due to operational issues. If you're considering entering this industry, it's advisable to conduct thorough research on specific brands to better evaluate the competition.
Professional consultant answers
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
The number of import car dealerships can vary greatly due to multiple factors. First, there are significant differences between brands. For instance, well-known luxury brands may have relatively more dealerships to cover a broader market, while niche import brands tend to have far fewer.
Second, regional differences also affect dealership distribution. Economically developed areas like first-tier cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) have higher demand for import cars, leading to denser dealership networks. In contrast, third- or fourth-tier cities and remote areas have fewer dealerships.
Take Zhongshitong as an example—it has dealerships in multiple major cities across China, covering regions like East China, South China, and North China. However, it's challenging to provide an exact nationwide count of import car dealerships because the market is dynamic. New dealerships may open while others might close due to operational issues. If you're considering entering this industry, it's advisable to conduct thorough research on specific brands to better evaluate the competition.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
The number of import car dealerships is indeed hard to pin down, as each brand has its own strategy. Popular luxury import brands might have dealerships in every district of major cities, while smaller brands may only have one or two per province.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
I’ve heard that some import car brands have only a few dozen dealerships nationwide due to their small market share. In contrast, popular brands could have hundreds.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
The number of import car dealerships varies significantly by province—coastal and economically strong provinces have more, while inland areas have fewer. You’d really need to check brand by brand for exact numbers.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
It seems that emerging import car brands have fewer dealerships, while established major brands have more. For precise figures, you could contact each brand’s official channels.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
The number of dealerships differs a lot between high-end and mid-to-low-end import cars. Premium brands limit dealerships to maintain quality and service, while more affordable brands may have broader coverage.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
I think the number of import car dealerships is also related to how long a brand has been in the domestic market. Brands that entered earlier and have had time to expand naturally have more dealerships than newcomers.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Policy support can influence the number of import car dealerships. Stronger policy incentives might encourage more dealerships, but market demand ultimately plays a role.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Generally, provincial capitals have more import car dealerships than ordinary prefecture-level cities, given the higher purchasing power there. So, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Brand recognition also affects the number of import car dealerships. High-profile brands tend to establish more dealerships to expand their market presence.