Chinese auto output hits 10 million mark

China's annual auto production has exceeded 10 million units for the first time, as the country's car makers boost output to meet the growing demand. The record was broken after the 10-millionth car rolled off the First Auto Works Group's assembly line in Changchun, Jilin Province. The group estimates that output is likely to hit 12 million units for all of 2009.

Despite the global financial crisis, and falling sales from global car makers, China overtook the US as the world's largest auto market this January. The increases come on the heels of government's stimulus measures, that encourage sales of low-emission vehicles. Major car producers, including Volkswagon and GM, are now targeting China as their key market.