Auto Sales Rise 13% in China

Carmakers sold 1.59 million passenger vehicles in China last month compared with 1.41 million in March 2012, according to the China Assn. of Automobile Manufacturers.

That 13% growth rate beat virtually every other major car market, but it also was slower that China's average 20% pace in January and February, despite hefty incentives.

The pace of growth unexpected slowed in March from the average 20% rate in January and February, despite hefty incentives.

The country's demand for all vehicles, including trucks and buses in the country, rose 11% to 2.04 million units last month.

In the January-March period, China's sales of cars, MPVs and SUVs climbed 17% year over year to 4.42 million units. Total vehicle deliveries increased 11% to 5.42 million units.

General Motors and its Chinese partners boosted quarterly sales in the country 10% to a record 816,400 units, fueled by demand for its Buick models and Wuling tiny vans. Volkswagen brand volume jumped 24% to 598,100 vehicles.

Chinese brands hiked sales 18% to 1.91 million units in the first quarter. CAAM says demand for Japanese brands tumbled 16% in China last quarter, hampered by the country's lingering anti-Japan sentiments.