China's auto exports hit record high in 2011

Beijing, Feb 8 (IANS) China's auto exports hit 849,000 units last year, the highest level seen since the onset of the global financial crisis, data showed Wednesday.

Statistics from the automobile branch of the China Chamber of Commerce for the Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME AUTO) showed Wednesday that China exported 849,900 vehicles, full sets of car spare parts and car chassis in 2011, up 49.96 percent from a year earlier and the largest figure seen since 2009.

The exports were valued at $10.95 billion, up 56.72 percent from 2010, reported Xinhua.

"China's automobile exports have pulled through a difficult period and are developing sustainably. China's automobiles will continue to move into the international market," said Yang Aiguo, an official.

China exported automobiles to 190 countries and regions last year, with Russia, Brazil and Iran accounting for most of China's automobile export value.