New autos for China market

By Jin Jing 

2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Luxury sport-utility vehicle maker Land Rover said China has become its fifth-largest market in the world and it will launch new products to meet the strong growth potential.

The British brand sold about 6,000 vehicles in China in the first seven months of this year, following a sales record of 11,008 units last year.

Sales continued to increase despite China's levy of high purchase tax on imported vehicles and buyers putting off purchasing big items during the economic slowdown.

"Market demand remains hot in China," said Hao Lu, senior marketing manager at Land Rover China. "With our new models, China is forecast to bypass Russia and Italy to be our third-biggest market by the end of this year."

Britain and the United States are Land Rover's top two markets now.

The firm recently held previews of its 2010 Range Rover and Discovery 4 luxury SUV after their debut at the Shanghai Auto show in April.