STOCKHOLM, May 3 Reuters Swedenbased Volvo Cars said on Wednesday that sales increased by 10 yearonyear in April to 51,976 cars, boosted by strong gains in China.

Volvo Cars, which is majorityowned by China39;s Geely Holding, said in a statement that sales in China were up 46. In Europe, its biggest market, sales were up 5, while in the U.S. they were down 4.

The carmaker39;s shares were down 1 in early trade.

Volvo Cars said sales of fully electric cars nearly doubled to account for 17 of total sales. All recharge models, also including those not fully electric, were up 28.

Reporting by Anna Ringstrom, editing by Terje Solsvik

Source Reuters