Sales of GM China first half rise the 5.3% (AFP)

SHANGHAI (AFP)-General Motors said Tuesday its sales in China, the world's largest car market, rose 5.3 percent on-year in the first half of 2011 a record 1.27 million vehicles.

June sales alone were up 9.9% on year to 193.878 units, boosted by strong demand for passenger cars, made by Shanghai GM, the joint venture with the largest manufacturer of auto China SAIC Motor, the U.S. auto giant said in a statement.

"Domestic demand for Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac hit new highs in June," he said.

The increase in June ended two consecutive year-on-year falls in sales posted in April and may.

The number of vehicles sold by GM and its joint venture had plunged 2.7 percent to 190.674 units in may, while sales in April fell the 4.6% year on year to 203.367.

China, which has overtaken the United States to become the world's best car market in 2009, it has become increasingly important for global players such as the sale of GM Cars. in China rose more than 32 percent last year to a record 18.06 million.

But the global sector lost steam after Beijing scrapped sales incentives such as tax breaks for small motor vehicles outside the Ward impact of global financial crisis.

Auto sales in China fell 3.98 percent from a year earlier may to 1.38 million, a decrease for the second consecutive month, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, a group of industry affiliated Government.

Domestic sales rose statement 41.4% by Shanghai GM on year in June, while sales to GM vehicle commercial joint-venture, SAIC GM Wuling, fell 11.2 percent to 88.027 units, due to the expiry of the incentive policies, he said.

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