China's auto market remains bullish, dispelling worries over a possible slowdown.

Vehicle sales across the nation grew a robust 26.9 percent in November from a year ago to reach nearly 1.7 million units, said the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). The November figure brought sales in the first 11 months to 16.4 million units, compared with 13.65 million for the entire year in 2009.

The CAAM expects China to retain its crown as the world's largest auto market this year, with sales totaling 18 million units, beating the world record of 17 million set by the United States in 2005.

Buyers are heading for showrooms before the favorable tax policy expires at the end of this year, said Zhu Yiping, Associate Deputy Secretary General of the CAAM.

China allowed buyers to pay only a 7.5-percent tax for purchases of cars with small engine displacements (less than 1.6 liters) in 2010.

But it is likely that the incentive continues into next year as policymakers pin hopes on consumption as a source of growth, said Rao Da, Secretary General of the National Passenger Cars Association.