Latest statistics from China's automobile industry indicated, the growth of China's mini auto sales slowed down in the first half of 2006.

 

The total sales of mini autos surpassed 570,000 from January to June, up 3.9 percent compared with the previous year, much lower than experts expectation. In June the sales of mini autos only reached 76,000, down 24 percent over the previous year.

 

Experts said high oil price restricted the development of mini autos. New demand for environment protection pushed manufacturers to produce hi-tech products. From the long term, potential for mini autos is still huge.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2006)