BRIEFING: China automotive market review

The Chinese market is continuing to grow strongly. Total auto sales in China rose 24.46% in the first nine months of 2007 to 6.46m units, with output up 22.78% at 6.51m units, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). But, is the shine starting to wear off the Chinese market? The market is still booming, but the period of major inward investment by global automakers seems to be drawing to a close, and with most of the world's established automakers now present in the Chinese market, the job in hand now is to make those factories pay their way. This month's briefing provides information on the growth and dynamics of the market. We take a look at vehicle production and exports to the US and Western Europe, and provide commentary on foreign JV activity and major developments at other Chinese automakers, from BYD to Shanghai Automotive.