General Motors reported an eight percent fall in its China sales in January from a year earlier, as the lunar new year reduced shopping days.

The US auto giant and its Chinese joint ventures sold 246,654 units last month, up 25.3 percent from the previous month, according to its statement.

Most businesses close for the lunar new year, the most important holiday in the world's largest auto market, as workers head home for a family reunion.

The Spring Festival fell on January 23 this year, while that of last year fell in February.

In 2011, GM sold a record 2.55 million units in China despite a slowdown in the sector, an end of tax incentives and the restriction of car purchases in some cities.