Gasgoo.com (Shanghai March 25) - Geely Holding Group announced growth of 27 percent in automotive sales last year, the Guangzhou Daily reported today. Geely, which has recently acquired Volvo Cars, sold 415,000 vehicles in 2010, making a gross profit of 3.7 billion yuan ($564.9m), a growth of 45.6 percent. The figure was lower than market expectations, leading to a decrease in Geely's stock (0175.HK).

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai March 28) - Guangqi Honda began production of its first own brand vehicle last Saturday, the Beijing News reported today. The new car, the Everus S1, is China's first JV-produced own brand vehicle. Sales will begin via Guangqi Honda dealers next month.