Sales rose to 2.11 million vehicles, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
For the year to date, sales were down 12.7% to 12.37 million vehicles.
In July, sales of trucks, vans and other commercial vehicles, which constitute around a quarter of the overall market, surged 59.4%, while sales of passenger vehicles rose 8.5%.
Sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) grew 19.3% to 98,000 units, ending 12 straight months of decline. NEVs include battery-powered electric, plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
Automakers which have reported sales growth in July include Great Wall Motor (SS:601633), Geely Automobile (HK:0175) and Toyota Motor Corp (T:7203).
The auto association said last month that China’s auto sales are expected to fall between 10% and 20% this year.
