Strong will likely get stronger, domestic firms under pressure

Despite a slowdown in the first half this year, China's auto market is expected to maintain stable growth of 8 to 12 percent annually over the next four years, according to a recent report by consulting firm AlixPartners.

But not all competitors will gain from the growth, as increasingly fierce competition, overcapacity and resulting low vehicle prices will lead to a more polarized market where the strong get stronger and the weak weaker, the report said, noting that local automakers in particular are facing more pressure.