China's Chery Jan-May sales exceed Total Russian sales for 2006

Chery Automobile said its sales in Russia for the first five months increased to 15,071 units, exceeding the total Russian sales of 10,768 cars for all of 2006.

Chery set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in Russia in December 2005 and two months later signed a joint venture agreement with Russia's Avtotor to assemble Chery-branded cars for sale to Europe. Avtotor has launched assembly of Chery cars in Russia during the same year.

Due to the competitive pricing, unique design and independent technologies of Chery autos, the automaker has soon become the fastest growing auto enterprise in Russia in terms of auto sales,  listing the 12th largest auto seller in Russia auto market for the first quarter, Chery Auto said in a statement.

Chery sold 4,329 and 4,086 units of sedans in April and May, respectively, leading the Chinese auto makers in the Russian market, the company said.