China has designated eight cities as automobile export zones as part of a bid to help its domestic car makers push for overseas sales to maintain their rapid growth, Reuters reported, citing China Daily. The cities are the coastal ports of Shanghai, Tianjin, Xiamen and Taizhou, the Yangtze river cities of Wuhan, Wuhu and Chongqing and northeastern Changchun. The Commerce Ministry also listed 160 vehicles and spare parts manufacturers as the first group of designated exporting firms for the industry, including some foreign-invested companies, said Reuters. "Expanding the exports of vehicles and spare parts, especially our own brands and those with our own intellectual property rights, is the only way to enhance our auto industry's international competitiveness," the paper quoted Bo as saying. The government has also pledged to provide financing and insurance support to auto exporters and encourage them to team up with transport firms.