The numbers of imported vehicles in March reached a historic record, according to statistics released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) on May 5.

The CAAM said China imported 97,900 vehicles in March, up about 71 percent from February, and 14.68 percent over the same period of 2010. The total value of imported vehicles surpassed $3.85 billion, up nearly 64 percent from last month, and a 19.43 percent increase from a year ago.

Statistics also showed the average price of imported vehicles was 250,000 yuan. When tariffs and dealer fees were added, the average price reached about 400,000 yuan.

SUVs accounted for half of imported vehicles, while luxury vehicles and niche models including the Volkswagen Beetle and Subaru comprised the rest.

The country's vehicle import value was about 110 billion yuan, while export value more than 90 billion yuan, a deficit of more than 20 billion yuan.