Sales for new energy vehicles were expected to total 1.5 million units from a previous forecast of 1.6 million, the China Association of Automobile Manufactures (CAAM) said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Data released by CAAM earlier this month showed vehicle sales in the world's top auto market contracted for a 12th straight month in June, with China's economy slowing while it remains locked in a bruising trade spat with the United States.