BEIJINGSHANGHAI, Dec 8 Reuters China39;s passenger vehicle sales rose 25.5 in November from a year earlier, faster than the prior month and extending growth to a fourth month, industry data showed on Friday, as automakers stepped up a price battle to meet sales goals.

Car sales totalled 2.1 million units last month, data from the China Passenger Car Association CPCA showed, while growth accelerated from October39;s 9.9 jump.

Sales of new energy vehicles electric vehicles and plugin hybrids grew 39.8 in November from a year earlier, surpassing a 37.5 rise in October and accounting for 40 of total car sales as promotions and discounts intensified towards the yearend.

Companies have increasingly sought to spur car purchases amid an anaemic economic recovery.

Sales promotions launched in November by major electric vehicle maker BYD, and other producers have continued into this month, with more automakers joining the fray.

A new package of tax breaks for new energy vehicle purchases through 2027 imposes caps on tax exemptions starting in 2024, which will add to the cost of higherpriced models and has served as a tailwind for yearend sales.

The association forecast that China39;s passenger vehicle sales would hit 22.2 million in 2024, up 3 from this year, while growth could reach 5 if exports to Russia continue their robust rise.

BYD set another sales record in November, although there were only slight gains from October, and it is on course to become the first…