Record vehicle exports to China

July saw record export volumes of vehicles from other countries to China.

That's according to the latest market data, which shows that auto makers managed to shift $7.4 billion worth of vehicles to the country.

Imported cars are lined up on a quay at the Port of Qingdao in Qingdao, Shandong province. [File Photo: IC]

The impact of Donald Trump's trade war saw US manufacturers take a tumble, whilst those from Europe and Japan saw the largest increases.

Rising demand in China has seen a number of manufacturers increase output.

For example, Skoda is planning to double its sales in China within the next two years, which explains the desire to satisfy the increasingly popular market for SUVs in the country.

Interestingly, whilst planning to boost sales in China, Skoda seems to be struggling to meet demand at home in Europe.

The firm has been in discussions with unions at its main plant in Mlada Boleslav to open the production line on Saturdays.

Skoda argues that this is essential in order to avoid losing sales due to a lack of supply.

Other options for increasing vehicle production include building cars at VW plants, however these are also understood to be operating at close to their maximum capacity.