BEIJING (AP) — Automakers are bringing SUVs and luxury sedans designed for Chinese buyers to China's biggest auto show this year as they scramble to keep sales growing amid a slump in this giant market's once-explosive demand.
Sales growth in the world's biggest auto market plunged from an eye-popping 35 percent in 2010 to just 2.5 percent last year as China's economy slowed.
Growth is forecast to rebound to about 5 percent this year. That is stronger than the U.S. or Europe but a challenge for automakers that added new assembly lines during the boom, leading to a glut of supplies.
General Motors, Honda and other global brands, as well as ambitious Chinese rivals such as Chery and Geely, will be wooing Chinese buyers hard at Auto China 2012, which opens next week.
