China's sales of passenger cars fell 9 percent from December to January to 1,152,300 units, but were 12.6 percent higher than last January's figures, according to a report released by Shanghai-based China Passenger Car Association yesterday.

Annual growth of more than 20 percent, a trend that began in 2006, will end this year, market analysts predict.

The growth of the Chinese auto market will slow to 10 to 15 percent this year because of the elimination of tax rebates for vehicle purchases, local government controls on the number of vehicles and the rising costs of driving, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Consulting firm Roland Berger also predicts 15 percent growth for auto sales this year.

A number of automakers have set a conservative target for this year, with Nissan, Toyota and Honda announcing sales targets no more than 15 percent over last year's figures.

China's business press carried the story above on Wednesday. China.org.cn has not checked the stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.