Chinese passenger car sales increased by 36 per cent in June compared to the same period a year ago.

According to National Passenger Cars Association figures reported by Dow Jones, passenger car sales reached 291,792 units, up from 214,258 units sold in June 2005.

During the first six months of the year, China's passenger car sales have risen by 63 per cent to 1.78 million, the statistics revealed.

New tax measures in the country linked with higher fuel prices hit the sale of larger SUV vehicles, however, a trend reflected globally.

SUV sales fell 15.16 per cent to 14,800 units for the month, compared to June 2005.

Total automobile sales in China increased to 379,907 in June, up 17 per cent from 325,286 in the same month a year ago.

Total car production in China reached 423,037 in June, up 17 per cent on the 360,890 produced in June last year, according to the association.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd