China boosted auto exports by 79 percent to a record last year, after rising demand from Russia and other emerging markets.

Chinese car makers shipped 612,700 completed vehicles and chassis overseas in 2007, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said on its website, citing customs data. The value of exports more than doubled to US$7.31 billion, said Bloomberg News.

China FAW Group Corp, Chery Automobile Co and other Chinese car makers have boosted exports and opened plants overseas as increasing domestic competition squeezes margins at home.

The country's vehicle exports may reach one million a year by 2010, according to the Commerce Ministry.

Trucks accounted for 40 percent of China's vehicle exports last year, with passenger cars taking a 31 percent share, according to the association. The remainder included buses and chassis. China's auto makers and parts makers sold their products in 220 countries and regions.

(Shanghai Daily February 5, 2008)