China car sales rise in first two months of the year as economy recovers

BEIJING (AFP) - Car sales in China, the world's top car market, rose in the first two months of the year, indicating strong demand as the country's economy gradually recovers.

A total of 3.39 million vehicles were sold in the country over January and last month, rising 14.7 per cent from the same period last year, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (Caam) said in a statement.

"The auto industry had a good start this year, and the overall market demand for cars has remained strong," said the statement.

Giving the figure for the two months reduces seasonal distortions due to the Chinese New Year holiday, which fell in February this year but January last year.