Automotive News

Shanghai, January 4 (Gasgoo.com) General Motors' vehicle sales in China in 2009 jumped 66.9% year on year to 1.83 million units, the company said today, media reported.

General Motors and its joint ventures in China sold 1.83 million vehicles in the Chinese market last year and expanded its market share to an estimated 13.4%, up from 12.1% at the end of 2008, the U.S. auto giant said in a statement.

"Despite the sales records in 2009, it looks as if 2010 will be even stronger," said Kevin Wale, president and managing director of GM China Group. "The industry outlook is strong and we expect more growth, albeit on a somewhat slower pace."

Boosted by government incentives, auto sales in China likely surged to 13.5 million units last year (from 9.38 million in 2008). China has surpassed the U.S. as the world's largest auto market as tax cuts for small cars and subsidies for rural buyers helped spur demand.