During the first eight months of 2006 China's automobile production and sales both increased by some 25 percent over the same period of last year, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said yesterday.

 

Between January and August China produced 4.64 million vehicles, an increase of 25.37 percent, while sales surged by 24.58 percent to hit 4.53 million units.

 

The strong growth is mainly driven by dynamic growth in the passenger vehicle market, particularly sedans, the association said.

 

In the first eight months China produced 3.33 million passenger vehicles and sold 3.23 million units, rising 33 percent and 32 percent, respectively.

 

The top 10 manufacturers are the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp, FAW, Dongfeng Motor Corp, Chang'an, Beijing Automotive Industry Corp, Cherry, Harbin Aircraft, Guangzhou Automotive Industry Corp, Geely and Brilliance.

 

They sold a total of 3.80 million units, accounting for 83.83 percent of the market share.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2006)