SHANGHAI — Geely Automobile Holdings said it sold 105,468 vehicles in April, 2 percent higher than the same period last year, as the world’s biggest auto market recovers from the coronavirus.
With the global auto industry hit hard by the coronavirus epidemic, China has become one ray of hope for automakers including Volkswagen Group and General Motors.
Geely said in March that 2020 may be one of its toughest years yet, as pressure stemming from the coronavirus outbreak on production and sales persists, but it planned to go ahead with a global expansion.
It maintained its sales target of 1.41 million cars and light trucks this year, up from 1.36 million last year.
Geely, based in the eastern province of Zhejiang, is China’s most globally high-profile automaker following investments by parent company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. in European manufacturers Volvo Car and Daimler.
Volkswagen also sees demand rebounding in China, helped by new buyers switching from public transport and sales of premium vehicles. VW CEO Herbert Diess said in a Weibo post that Volkswagen Group reported positive year-on-year growth in China last month.
GM’s China sales also rebounded to grow by double digits in April.