China should be able to record auto sales of more than 17 million units this year, according to a senior figure at General Motors (GM).

Kevin Wale, head of the Detroit-based company's operations in China, claimed that its burgeoning economy offers "tremendous upside potential" for the auto industry.

He also predicted that the country will be able to maintain its status as the world's largest auto market - which it gained from the US last year - for the foreseeable future.

Many analysts had suggested that China would struggle to keep up with the frenetic auto sales pace witnessed last year, but the government has launched new incentives for buyers of small, fuel-efficient cars.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Mr Wale also told reporters in Shanghai yesterday (21st October) that China could sell more than 19 million vehicles in 2011.

He cited the ongoing government stimulus measures as key to his forecast, in addition to the continuing growth of its economy, which is creating a rise in the average personal income.

GM is one of the so-called 'Big Three' US automakers, alongside Ford and Chrysler.

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GM Sees Fast China Auto Sales Rise (21/10/10)

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