BEIJING -- China's policies to support its auto market drove sales up 34% in May, according to data issued Tuesday by a semi-official industry group, as the country remained a bright spot for the struggling global car industry.

Auto sales last month totaled 1.12 million units, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said. In contrast, U.S. car sales fell 34% in May to 925,824 units.

"Based...