China's first hybrid buses go into service in Changchun

Shanghai, February 2 (Gasgoo.com) China's first 50 gas-electric hybrid buses, made by FAW Group, were put into service yesterday in Changchun, capital of northeastern Jilin province, Xinhua News reported.

The 12-meter long CA6120 URH2 hybrid bus was developed by Chinese auto giant FAW and can cut carbon emissions by 30%, said Cui Shusen, president of Changchun Public Transport Group. The bus is also structurally simple and its manufacture is much more cost-effective. 

The bus was specially designed and manufactured by FAW for Changchun, where the automaker is headquartered and gas resources are in abundant supply, Cui added. FAW started mass-production of this Jiefang-brand bus in November 2009. Another 50 gas-electric buses will be launched in Changchun soon.

The Chinese government said early last year that it would subsidize purchases of clean-energy vehicles for public service fleets in 13 cities and would provide 10 billion yuan ($1.47 bln) over the next few years to automakers to help update their technology and develop alternative energy vehicles.

Jilin province has launched the new energy vehicles industry federation to integrate the new energy auto resources. FAW will be responsible for the R&D, testing, trial-manufacturing and improvement of finished automobiles.