Dalian port sees sharp rise in auto imports

Shanghai, September 28 (Gasgoo.com) The latest statistics released by Dalian Customs in northeast China's Liaoning province show that Dalian Port imported 9,072 vehicles valued at US$400 million in the first seven months of this year, up 53.1 percent and 43.6 percent year-on-year respectively.

Imports of large-engine vehicles in Dalian rose by nearly 70 percent, accounting for 58.3 percent of the total import volume. Imports of small cars were 3,008 units, up 45.5 percent and representing 33.2 percent of the total.

A total of 5,558 vehicles with an engine size of at least 3 liters were imported, up 63 percent and accounting for 61 percent of the total. 

In the first seven months the total value of China's auto product imports and exports rose to US$48.8 billion, increasing about 37 percent from one year earlier, according to the statistics from the General Administration of Customs.

The Administration says imports rose because world auto giants turned to the Chinese market for growth after the U.S. economic slump and rocketing oil prices drove sales down in the U.S. and European markets.

Domestic demand for large-engine vehicles also grew up in the period as many people bought cars in advance of the big-car sales tax hike that took effect on September 1.