Motor vehicles in China hit 217 million (19/07/11)

China's motor vehicles hit the 217 million mark in June, including nearly 100 million cars and 102 million motorcycles, according to a statement from the Ministry of Public Security.

Since the start of the year, over ten million vehicles have been added, including 7.6 million cars.

While there are close to five million cars in Beijing, ten more mainland cities have more than one million automobiles in use.

China overtook the US as the world's largest auto manufacturer and market in 2009.

Japan automakers' Q1 hit by quake (25/07/11)

Quarterly figures reveal Japan's car makers have been badly affected by the earthquake and tsunami in March, while South Korean firms rode the wave.

Toyota and Honda have seen domestic production slip by four-fifths in the April to June quarter, while Nissan reported a slump of 49 per cent.

South Korean firms Hyundai and Kia, meanwhile, have seen sales increase, thanks to demand from the US.

"Hyundai and Kia's global market shares are seen rising sharply in the second quarter. It appears that Hyundai and Kia have benefited somewhat from Japan's crisis," said Ahn Sang-jun, an analyst at Tong Yang Securities.

Meanwhile, Indian car makers are facing higher material costs and a slackening in demand.

However, Tata has seen sales of its Jaguar and Land Rover brands rise, helping to boost profits.

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