CAAM Says China Car Sales Grew 1% in May

Sales of new cars and light trucks in China rose 1% to 1.6 million units in May, according to the state-backed China Assn. of Automobile Manufacturers.

CAAM says growth last month was fueled by strong demand for SUV/crossovers, which jumped 44% to 459,300 units. Sales of multipurpose vehicles climbed 8% to 140,500 units. But deliveries of sedans and microvans fell 10% to 907,000 units and 22% to 102,500 units, respectively.

Last week the China Passenger Car Assn. reported the same volume for May but said it represented 4% growth.