Nobody doubted that China would become a huge growth market for struggling overseas auto makers, but even the car companies seem surprised at just how well they’ve done.

The industry had a sales increase of 46.9% to 1.8 million units, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. The General did best, selling just over 200,000 cars representing a 49% increase in sales. Volkswagen, the second biggest seller had an increase in sales of around 30%.

The other car companies represented include Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Peugeot/Citroen, and Nissan, all through combined ventures with state run auto makers (the price of entry to the Chinese market).