Nissan sees 2008 China sales rising 11 pct

TOKYO, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Nissan Motor Co (7201.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said on Monday it expects sales in China this calendar year of 500,000 vehicles against 450,000 in 2007, a rise of 11 percent.

Japan's third-biggest auto maker said it would launch three new vehicles in China this year, including the popular Qashqai SUV.

Nissan has a 50-50 joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group (0489.HK: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) to produce and sell passenger cars and commercial vehicles. (Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim)