Car Sales in China Rise 11%

Wholesale deliveries of passenger vehicles in China climbed to 1.24 million units last month from 1.12 million a year earlier, despite the country's tepid economic growth, according to the China Assn. of Automobile Manufacturers.

Sales of passenger and commercial vehicles in the country rose 10% year over year to 1.52 million units last month. In the January-July period, total vehicle volume grew 12% to 12.30 million units, including a 13% advance to 9.90 million units for passenger vehicles.

General Motors and its Chinese partners boosted deliveries 11% to 221,600 vehicles in July. Ford demand shot up 71% to 72,800 units.

Luxury brands fared well in the country. BMW sales soared 39% to 39,200 vehicles, outpacing rival Mercedes-Benz (+31% to 18,500 units). Audi deliveries, which include the Hong Kong market, jumped 27% to 41,800 vehicles. Analysts estimate that the marque trails BMW in mainland China.

Chinese sales by Japanese automakers remain in the doldrums last month. Demand edged up 2% to 90,900 vehicles at Nissan last month. But deliveries fell at Toyota and Honda.

Chinese brands increased volume 6% to 435,500 vehicles for a 35.2% of the country's July sales, their lowest market share since 2008.