Domestic passenger vehicle sales hit a new record high in August, nearly doubling over last year, far beyond industry expectations.

It is also the first time the monthly sales in August is the highest in the year.

"The booming sales in August has surpassed even the boldest prediction in the industry, as previously sales in August are normally the weakest in the whole year," said Cui Dongshu, deputy secretary-general of the National Passenger Car Information Exchange Association.