China overtakes U.S. in car sales

China, where 6 million automobiles were sold in the first half of 2009 has overtaken the U.S. as the world’s largest car market, overtaking the U.S. by about 1 million units, Sales data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) showed that passenger vehicles sold in China during the period increased by 34.2% compared to the same period a year ago. Shanghai Volkswagen (VW) ranked first among the top passenger car brands in the country, with sales of 320,000 units, ahead of FAW-VW and Shanghai General Motors (GM). Despite positive figures, however, CPCA Secretary General Rao Da said that auto sales could decline further into the year because of gasoline price hikes and other factors. (July 8, 2009)