Reporters' Log

Govt urged to consider buying smaller, homegrown cars

By Li Fangfang (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-03-05 18:44

The Chinese government should consider adding homegrown vehicle brands to its government procurement list, especially those with smaller engine capacities, proposed Wang Fengying, CEO of Great Wall Motor, on the sidelines of the annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Related readings:  China urged to encourage methanol-fueled cars  China vows to reduce emissions  Environment: Benefit from going green

"Government agencies and institutions should buy more low-emission cars to boost the auto market demand, especially in the smaller cars sector," the CPPCC member said on Thursday.

She said the government's purchase of smaller cars would set a good example for consumers and China should work out more favorable measures to reduce the fee charges on smaller cars.

Cars with big engine capacity, especially imported luxury cars with high fuel costs and emissions, have been used in the past by Chinese government officials to indicate their privileges.

Great Wall Motor, China's biggest SUV producer, is now dedicating itself to manufacturing high-quality smaller cars.

The Baoding, Hebei-based automaker hopes to increase its sales by 60 percent to 200,000 vehicles this year, with passenger cars accounting for 80,000 units.

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