China car sales may increase by up to 10 percent in 2013, despite fears of new government policies to limit car ownership, according to a report from a local news daily cited by a auto website.

China sales rose last year by 4.3 percent to 19.3 million, half the forecast of 8-10 percent by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). The trade association sees average growth of 7 percent this year due to the improving mainland economy and stabilising fuel prices.

The Chinese government is trying to limit growth in car ownership because of worsening pollution and traffic jams. A reputed research company told the local news daily that if commercial trucks were excluded, the growth could reach 10 percent in 2013. Commercial trucks made up less than 2 percent of the market last year.

Only 10 Chinese carmarkers reached their 2012 sales target in the country, according to sales figures released by the top 25 domestic carmakers. On the other hand, foreign carmakers continued their expansion.

Hyundai targets sales of 1.47 million cars this year, which would put it ahead of General Motors and SAIC, which are expected to raise 2013's sales target to 1.45 million.