Golf GTI: First sports model made in China by a global auto brand

Guangzhou - Powered by the country's steady growth and a record-breaking auto market last year, German carmaker Volkswagen Group expects China's vehicle sales to climb 15 to 20 percent in 2010.

"About two months ago, I predicted the market would grow 10 to 15 percent. Now my forecast is 15 to 20 percent following the market trend," Winfried Vahland, president of Volkswagen Group China, said in an interview last week as the company's joint venture with FAW Group launched the Golf GTI in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou.

Vahland said China's GDP is expected to grow 8 to 9 percent this year from 2009.