Porsche, Audi, Hyundai, Nissan and Fiat were among brands with strong December sales ahead of the introduction of tough new EU emissions rules.

New-vehicle deliveries in China slipped 8 percent to just below 26 million in 2019 as a weakening economy and prolonged trade war with the U.S. continued to sap demand.

Registrations hit a six-year low as consumers avoided big purchases amid restrictions on diesel vehicles and economic uncertainty in the run-up to leaving the EU.

Demand was boosted by sales of models with high CO2 emissions before new EU regulations went into effect.