China's Automotive Industry Association says China will become the world's third largest car manufacturer before 2010.

The Association's vice president said the government is taking measures to boost auto manufacturing as a key industry for national economic growth.

He predicted that by 2010 China's car exports are expected to surpass 50 billion US dollars.

Meanwhile, figures show that the number of cars produced and sold has hit 4.5 million in the first 11 months of this year, while total annual sales are expected to reach five million.

Source: CRI news