Car Sales Grow 6% in China

Sales of passenger vehicles in China rose to 1.61 million units last month from 1.52 million in April 2014, according to the China Passenger Car Assn.

The 6% expansion was the smallest monthly advance since November. Analysts say China's slower economic growth and licensing restrictions in big cities are hurting demand. A monthly survey by MNI Indicators says consumer interest in buying a new car has sagged to a 10-month low.

CPCA says demand for SUVs and crossovers zoomed 56% in April. But sedan sales dropped 7%. The market shift is helping domestic carmakers, who are introducing moderately priced SUVs, and putting price pressure on foreign companies with more expensive models.