A growing middle class in China has increased the demand for cars in the world's most populous country.br br China has several home-grown automakers, but most lack the quality or safety records of more established foreign brands.br br In an effort to leapfrog the competition, Geely, one of China's largest carmakers, has bought a majority share in the Swedish car firm Volvo for what analysts say is the bargain price of just under $2bn.br br Al Jazeera's Divya Gopalan reports.