Gasgoo.com (Shanghai December 11) - The southern city of Guangzhou has officially begun releasing subsidies for new energy vehicle purchases this month, China Business News reported today. The subsidies were originally announced four months ago, not long after the city implemented policies limiting new automobile purchases. According to the legislation, owners who purchased new energy vehicles from August 1 onwards will be eligible to receive 10,000 yuan ($1,591) in national subsidies.
Following announcement of the subsidies, the number of new energy vehicle sales in Guangzhou increased substantially. Hybrid vehicle sales in particular rose sharply. A Guangqi Honda dealership in the city recorded selling 15 Camry Hybrids in November. Going into December, it has already sold that same number in just the first week of the month. "The ratio of consumers purchasing new energy vehicles has increased," the dealer commented.
There will be 17,880 registration plates awarded in Guangzhou this month, with 1,220 of those used for new energy vehicles. New energy vehicles are especially attractive in Guangzhou as they allow owners to register for plates for free, while plates for traditional gasoline powered vehicles must be bought at government auctions.
