High demand for exported vehicles in China (CN)

Although car sales are slowing in China, the Asian country nabbed imported cars at a rapid rate in the first half of this year. Pick-up trucks and SUV were most popular, with the Subaru Outback, BMW X1, Renault Koleos, Dodge Ram, and Mercedes GLK contributing to the total of 220,000 units.

German car manufactures accounted for 47% of imports, with BMW and Volkswagen seeing a 50% and 0.5% increase, the latter seeing strong sales from the Touareg SUV and Phaeton sedan.

The Japanese took a direct hit following the March 2011 catastrophe, plunging by 22%. As production levels increase for the second half, look out for improved figures.