BEIJING - Chinese automakers' production and sales posted year-on-year growth in May but contracted on a month-on-month basis because of a periodic fluctuation, the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATRC) said Tuesday.

 
Chinese automakers produced 1.31 million vehicles in May, down 14.36 percent from April, said CATRC director Zhao Hang.

The figure brought January-to-May output to 7.18 million units, up 52.18 percent year-on-year.

Sales of autos in May fell 13.95 percent from April to 1.19 million units, taking the five-month figure to 6.05 million units, up 34.07 percent compared with the same period last year.

The CATRC predicted strong sales for the nation's automakers in June on the back of strong consumption and intensified marketing campaigns.