GM China Sales Up 37% Through September

General Motors Corp.’s China sales reportedly rose 36.7% through September vs. the first nine months of last year, to a record 645,680 units.

That compares to a 40% increase for the entire Chinese auto industry in the same period.

Shanghai GM, the auto maker’s joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., saw sales rise 33% to 296,658 through September.

GM credits increased sales of the Buick brand (up 27.8%) and Chevrolet marque (up 50.1%) for the increase at Shanghai GM. Cadillac sales also rose, up 27%, the auto maker says.

GM’s other China JV with Wuling Automotive Ld. Co. reports a 39% year-on-year sales increase, to 346,078 units. The Sunshine minivan accounted for 215,000 of the total, GM says.