China produced 1.9m autos in the first nine months of 2001, 13 per cent more than in the same period of 2000, according to a survey by the People’s Bank of China. The report predicted further growth in future and by 2005 China would be able to produce 3.2m autos, including 1.2m sedans.
The survey found that China’s motor vehicle industry had 2,391 manufacturers, of which 118 made whole cars, 546 refitted cars, 136 manufactured motorcycles and 1,540 made parts and accessories. However, the domestic industry is dominated by just three large manufacturers, First Automobile Works, Dongfeng Auto and Shanghai Automotive. They hold 72 per cent of the market and account for 88 per cent of the total profits of the Chinese industry.