GM China sales surge in 1H

General Motors said on Wednesday that sales in China grew 38% year-on-year in the first half of 2009 on the back of strong demand for small vehicles such as minivans, AP reported. First-half sales stood at 814,442, compared to 1,094,561 in sales for all of last year. Sales were assisted by government subsidies and strong growth in inland cities. Total passenger car sales in China grew by 21% year-on-year to 3.36 million units in the January to May period. Total vehicle sales grew by 14.3% yearly in the time period to 4.96 million units, according to industry data. China’s total auto sales are expected to top 10 million units this year, compared to 9.38 million units sold in 2008.