China's car sales hits all-time high

Traffic jam in Beijing on September 21, 2010. [File photo]

Annual car sales in China are estimated to reach 17 million, which is equivalent to the United States' sales record, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

In 2009, a total of 13.64 million cars were sold, which made China the largest new-car market in the world.

In the past eight months, China has sold 12 million new cars, up 39 percent from last year. In September, car sales surged by almost 40 percent.

The growth in the car market has raised serious concerns. In addition to problems with energy supply, traffic jams and pollution, the industry is facing great difficulties in quality development.