Source: CCTV.com

07-31-2008 15:43

Rising fuel prices in China are forcing some drivers to consider buying smaller, more efficient cars. But as Liu Ying reports, sales for big sedans in China continue to climb.

China has sold over 5 million vehicles during the first half this year, up more than a quarter compared with the same period last year. But the rate is still lower than the 20 percent annual since 2005.

Some analysts believe the slow growth rate is partly caused by soaring fuel prices in the country.

However, the price surge certainly did not weigh on some people's decision to switch to small cars.

Su Hui, GM of Yayuncun Auto Market, said, "Mini vehicles like Xiali, Geely and Chang'an Suzuki's little cars can't survive in the market right now. So they disappeared. However, people now love big SUVs, so their prices are soaring."

Despite the rising cost of gas, many motorists continue to hunt for gas guzzlers. Su Hui says, daily sales volume in the market could reach over 200 units, while nearly 70 percent of that are high-emission mid- or high-end sedan.

Figures from the China Association of automobile manufactures show, during the first half of this year, production for big sedans in the country went up 47 percent year on year, while sales were also up nearly 50 percent. Meanwhile, the country imported over 71,200 SUVs during the 4 months this year, more than double from 2007.

Some analysts have predicted that auto sales in China could reach 10 million this year.

 

Editor:Yang Jie