HEFEI - China's auto exports hit 849,000 units last year, the highest level seen since the onset of the global financial crisis, the automobile branch of the China Chamber of Commerce for the Import & Export of Machinery & Electronic Products (CCCME AUTO) said on Wednesday.

Statistics from CCCME AUTO showed that China exported 849,900 vehicles, full sets of car spare parts and car chassis in 2011, up 49.96 percent from a year earlier and the largest figure seen since 2009. The exports were valued at $10.95 billion, up 56.72 percent from 2010.

"China's automobile exports have pulled through a difficult period and are developing sustainably. China's automobiles will continue to move into the international market," said Yang Aiguo, deputy secretary-general of CCCME AUTO.

China exported automobiles to 190 countries and regions last year, with Russia, Brazil and Iran accounting for most of China's automobile export value, CCCME AUTO said.