Vehicle inventories across China rose substantially above normal levels in February, according to data released by the China Automobile Dealers Association.

At the end of February, the average dealership had a 60-day supply of vehicles, significantly above the 24-to-36-day range considered to be normal, the association said.

The level of inventory at the end of February was also well above the average inventory level of 33 days at the end of January. China light-vehicle sales were dampened by the Chinese New Year that fell in February.

Dealerships that carry imported brands had, on average, a 100-day supply; foreign brands that produce vehicles in China had a 62-day supply while domestic Chinese brands had a 43-day supply, the association said.

Infiniti dealerships had the highest inventories, with a 156-day supply at the end of February. Honda's Acura brand was second with a 144-day supply and BMW was third with a 125-day supply.