PREMIER Automotive Group reported yesterday that second-quarter sales of Jaguar luxury cars in China rose 14 percent to 269 units.

Chinese customers bought a combined 458 Jaguars in the first half this year, the group, an affiliate of Ford Motor Corp, said in a statement. In June, sales jumped 84 percent to 90 units.

"We are quite optimistic in the market potential in China," said Christopher Brown, executive chairman of Jaguar China.