China's 2007 auto output and sales expand slower

China's auto output and sales grew at a slower pace last year, as the demand for vehicles of low engine displacement remained stagnant, according to the Ministry Commerce on Saturday.

Last year, China made 8.88 million motor vehicles, up 22.02% year-on-year, while the sales grow 21.84% year-on-year to 8.79 million units. However, compared with the previous year, the growth rate for output and sales was down 5.3% and 3.29% respectively.

The passenger vehicle sales surged 21.86% to reach 6.3 million units in the domestic market, and the commercial vehicle sales surged 22.25% to 2.49 million units.

China exported US$40.9 billion worth of motor vehicles and auto parts last year, jumping 45.31%, while the imports surged 24.45% and valued at US$26 billion. The vehicle sales abroad hit 314,000 units, up 37.8%.