BEIJING, Sept. 9 -- The output and sales of cars in China are likely to increase to 25 million by 2015, accounting for 30% of global total car production, according to a statement of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, sources reported.

The association said the scale of China's auto market may further expand during the 12th five-year plan period, from 2011 to 2015. Meanwhile, China's auto industry would improve energy saving and emission reductions.

China overtook the U.S. to become the world's largest auto maker and auto market in 2009, with output and sales reaching 13.79 million and 13.64 million units last year, respectively.

China's auto sales in August recovered strongly to 1.2 million units, up 55.72% year on year, after continuous slid in last three months with help from subsidies for energy-efficient cars.

China's passenger-car sales in August totaled 977,300 units, up 18.85% from July, or 59.26% more than a year earlier. Commercial vehicle sales totaled 238,200 units, increasing 1.84% from last month, or up 42.73% from a year ago.

Auto output in August increased gradually week by week to 219,300 units, 237,600 units, 307,400 units and 329,400 units, respectively.