SUVs still roaring up China's sales charts

[Hurricane]

SUVs still roaring up China's sales charts

By Geoff Dyer in Beijing
Tuesday Jun 17 2008 11:55
When General Motors (NYSE:GM) announced this month that it might sell Hummer, the brand of military-style sport utility vehicles whose sales have plummeted in the west, it seemed that soaring oil prices were halting the era of the big, gas-guzzling car.

Drivers in China have other ideas, however. Even though GM does not officially sell Hummers in China, a booming grey market has developed. In Beijing alone, more than 15 car dealers are selling the tank-like vehicles to China's army of new car-buyers.

Hummers have become particularly popular among the wealthy urbanites who like to spend their holidays on long driving treks across the country.

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