CHINA'S auto sales powered 35 percent on an annual basis in the first 10 months of this year to 14.68 million units, exceeding the total number of vehicles sold last year, China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said yesterday.

The combined sales of passenger cars, buses and trucks are expected to surpass 17 million units this year and China will keep its position as the world's largest auto market and maker, CAAM said.

In October, auto sales rose 25 percent from a year earlier to 1.54 million units. Passenger car sales rose 27 percent in October to 1.2 million units, bring the total in the first 10 months to 11.1 million, also surpassing the number for the whole of last year.

The National People's Congress, China's top legislature, is reviewing the draft law to increase taxes on vehicles with engines larger than 1.6 liters, especially gas-guzzling cars with engines over 2.5 liters.