Auto sales growth in China hit 19-month low last month

Auto sales growth in China rose only 6.4% from a year earlier in September, a 19-month low for gains, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing data from the government-backed China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Passenger-car sales rose to only about 1.7 million vehicles according to Monday’s data, while growth in total sales of automobiles including passenger and commercial vehicles shrank to 2.5% from 20% a year earlier. Industry analysts said the latest results were below expectations for a traditionally strong month. Foreign auto makers were immune to the industry’s slowing growth, taking market share as domestic Chinese brands endured the brunt of the cooling.