Carmakers post double-digit growth in car sales in August

Sales of major car manufacturers grew by double digits in August, adding to signs of recovery in China's auto market, according to data released by the companies.

Consumer demand increased in August from July amid promotions stimulated by the Chengdu Motor Show, according to the China Automobile Dealers Association.

The motor show, which was held from August 25 to September 3, sold more than 30,000 vehicles, according to the data released on the official website of the exhibition.

Analysts said that China's auto market recovered in August and is expected to drive into a golden sales season in September and October.

"China's auto market is expected to go up with rising demand from consumers," said Yan Jinghui,  consultant at China Auto Dealers Chamber of Commerce. "Promotions of car models are expected to further accelerate in September." 

General Motors Co and its joint ventures sold 328,425 vehicles last month, up 12 percent annually, driving the company to its highest growth in the past five months.

GM said the sport-utility vehicle segment remained the fastest-growing one in China. Sales of SUVs surged 57 percent year on year, according to the data released by the company. Sales of Cadillac vehicles jumped 51 percent from a year earlier.

Japan's Honda Motor Co saw sales grow further in August. The company's sales last month jumped 20.6 percent year on year to 128,671 vehicles last month following an 11.6 percent increase in July, according to its data.

Sales for Toyota Motor Co in China rose 13.2 percent from a year ago to 108,500 units in August. The Corolla is still the best selling model of all Toyota car models. Sales of Corolla totaled 29,000 units, up 7 percent year on year.

China's auto sales saw moderate growth in July. A total of 1.97 million vehicles were sold in July, up 6.2 percent year on year.  Passenger car sales hit 1.67 million units of the total sales in July, up 4.3 percent compared with the same period last year.