GM China reports record sales in March

[FarCenter]

AFP - US auto giant General Motors said Friday it sold a record 230,048 vehicles in China last month with demand strong for smaller, fuel-efficient cars.

The result marked a 67.9 percent year-on-year increase and was the 15th straight monthly sales record for GM in China, the world's biggest and fastest growing auto market.

"We have seen particularly strong interest in GM's newest passenger car models, the Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet New Sail and Buick Excelle XT," said Kevin Wale, managing director of GM China Group.

"This is a clear indicator that many consumers across the country -- especially first-time car buyers -- are placing smaller, more fuel-efficient products at the top of their shopping lists."

Sales in the first quarter by GM and its joint ventures reached 623,546 units, up 71.4 percent from the same period last year, the company said in a statement.

China's auto sales overtook those of the United States for the first time last year to become the world's biggest auto market.

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