Auto sales rose in China last month for the biggest jump since January as both the country's economy and demand for Japanese cars were strengthened, Bloomberg reported.
Wholesale vehicle deliveries saw a rise of 24 percent to 1.61 million units in October, said the state-backed China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
The growth in car, multipurpose and sport utility vehicle sales signifies a stronger Chinese economy as well as higher demand for vehicles from Toyota and Honda, which saw reduced sales after a flare-up of anti-Japanese sentiment.
"The recovery of demand for Japanese-brand cars is spurring overall vehicle sales," said Harry Chen, an analyst with Guotai Junan Securities Co. in Shenzhen. "It'll take the Japanese automakers more time to gain back market share."
Japan's decision last September to nationalize disputed islands in the East China Sea sparked anti-Japan sentiment among Chinese consumers, according to Reuters. Protestors across the nation held demonstrations that incited hostility toward Japanese brands.
Official statistics revealed the industrial productions and customs data in the auto market rose more than expected, while investments in manufacturing also increased. Including buses and trucks, total auto sales jumped 20 percent to 1.93 million units in October, according to the China Association.
General Motors saw a 12 percent gain in last month's sales, which were boosted by demand for the Michigan-based automaker's Wuling and Buick brands. The company is the largest foreign carmaker in China, according to Bloomberg.
The Ford Focus was the best-selling sedan last month, while Great Wall Motor Co.'s Harval line retained its spot as the top-selling SUV in the country. Toyota and Honda both showed signs of recovering from the anti-Japanese sentiment that damaged sales last year. Auto sales for Toyota jumped 81 percent to 82,400 units, while Honda's sales more than tripled for a total of 75,150.
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
