PSA Peugeot Citroen achieved record sales in China in the first quarter of 2013, confirming the faster growth trend seen last year.

PSA, which has been hit by the sharp decline in Europe, told Reuters it sold 142,000 vehicles in China, up 31% from the same quarter in 2012, and achieved a market share of close to 4%.

Growth was driven by a 24% rise in sales for the Dongfeng Peugeot brand, a joint venture between PSA and Chinese auto maker Dongfeng Motor Corporation, PSA said in a statement.