China's Auto Output up 44% to 8.4 Mln in H1

BEIJING, July 7 -- China's auto output rose 44% to 8.47 million in the first half of this year, continuing to be the world's biggest automaker, the Shanghai Daily reported, citing statement of China Automotive Technology & Research Center as saying.

Vehicle sales expanded at a slower pace of 30% to 7.18 million units during the first six-month period, according to the statement.

In June, auto sales increased 14% to 1.13 million units. Car sales rose 25.6% to 5.42 million units in the first half, the center said.

The figures reflected the robust growth in the first half of the year for China's auto industry, said Zhao Hang, head of the center.