Chinese bought 1,041,584 sedans, SUVs, MPVs, and microvans last month, 3.3% more than a year ago, according to China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). Compared with July, sales gained 8.7% in August. Production increased 14.3% on year to 1,113,840 units. For the first eight months, passenger car sales rose 4.9% from the same period in 2010 to 8,643,901.

In August, the microvan market, which has been shrinking from a year ago, saw strong recovery, growing 19.2% from July to reach 141,088 (although still 7% smaller than in August 2010). MPVs also performed well, as sales gained 10.4% from July and 15.1% on year to 39,220. Both the sedan and SUV markets grew 4.7% on year, reaching 746,019 and 115,257, respectively.

In the first eight months, Chinese bought 5,996,057 sedans, up 6.3% on year; 324,235 MPVs, up 15%; 913,612 SUVs, up 25.4%; 1,409,997 microvans, down11.1%.

Below are the sales of the top ten passenger car makers in August (wholesales including exports):

1. Shanghai GM: 102,620

2. SAIC-GM-Wuling: 98,499

3. Shanghai Volkswagen: 95,235

4. FAW Volkswagen: 92,734

5. Dongfeng Nissan: 63,936

6. Beijing Hyundai: 63,036

7. FAW Toyota: 52,329

8. Chery Auto: 45,779

9. Dongfeng Yueda Kia: 35,008

10. Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen (DPCA): 31,082