Sharp growth in China. - According to the magazine Automotive News China, sales in automobile accessories in China is expected to increase by 17% this year and will be worth 660 billion yuan (€81.4 billion). Growth will be driven by strong demand for vehicle maintenance products and spare parts, sales of which are expected to increase by more than 30%. By 2015, automotive accessory sales in China are expected to reach 950 billion yuan. French equipment manufacturers Faurecia, Plastic Omnium and Valeo are already achieving a growth rate on the Chinese market far beyond their expectations. In six years, the turnover for Plastic Omnium (a specialist in car bumpers) has reached €475 million and is expected to be more than €1 billion by 2016. Valeo has also enjoyed exceptional results in China. In 2009, the group was hoping to achieve €1 billion in sales by 2013 but this target was reached in 2012. Sales for Faurecia almost tripled between 2009 and 2012 and are now worth €1.5 billion. Its 2016 target is to go above €3 billion. The challenge facing these groups will be to match market growth, which is expected to be around 9% every year up until 2016 and meet the demands of their Chinese customers. (IL/transl.fl)