Guangdong creates big value in H2 '08 car output

Shanghai, February 16 (Gasgoo.com) Latest industry data show that Guangdong province passed its close rivals Jilin, Shandong and Zhejiang to generate the largest value of automotive output in the second half of 2008, Guangzhou Daily reported today.

After its provincial capital city of Guangzhou overtook Shanghai in sedan output, Guangdong province's auto industry stepped onto a new stage last year. As the biggest pillar of the province's industries, the auto sector has being playing a crucial role in Guangdong's economic development.

According to the statistics of China Auto Information Net (www.autoinfo.gov.cn), the total output value of Guangdong in 2008 reached 250 billion yuan ($36.6 bln), accounting for 10 of China's auto output value of the year. The top 10 provinces / municipalities also include Hubei, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chingqing and Beijing. The auto output value of the top 10 provinces / cities made up 70% of the national total in 2008.

The three Guangzhou-based automakers -- Guangdong Toyota, Guangdong Honda and Dongfeng Nissan -- have driven the growth of Guangdong province's auto industry. Although its auto output value hit the national No. 1 in the second half of 2008, the province's goal of increasing the value by 100 billion yuan within two years will not be easy to reach.

Guangdong province has plans to boost its annual auto production capacity to 1.6 million vehicles (including 1.4 million sedans and 50,000 medium- and large-size buses) in 2010, aiming to secure 15% sedan market share in China and to rank among the top three provinces / municipalities in the country's annual auto output.