SAIC new-energy vehicles to serve 2010 Expo

Shanghai, April 27 (Gasgoo.com) Nearly 1,000 eco-friendly new-energy vehicles produced by SAIC Motors will help realize a 'green' Shanghai Expo in 2010, xinhuanet.com said today. These green cars will achieve zero emission in the world fair park and low emission around the park.

Powered by electricity, super-capacitors, fuel cells, or hybrid power, these new-energy vehicles themselves will be the highlights of the Shanghai 2010 Expo. Three such vehicles are being displayed at the ongoing 2009 Shanghai auto show, with two under the carmaker's latest sub-brand 'Shanghai', and the other one using the Roewe badge.

The Shanghai-brand electric car developed by SAIC can travel 200 km using the rechargeable battery, while the Roewe 750 mild hybrid vehicle, achieving zero-emission during idling, can travel as far as 500km with a top speed of 205 km/h. SAIC will mass-produce the Roewe hybrid and put it on sale by the end of next year.

At the outdoor exhibition areas of the auto show, SAIC Motor has also displayed its hybrid bus, all-electric bus and electric light bus, all of which will be put into service for the World Expo in Shanghai next year.

General Motors, which is living off emergency funding from the U.S. government, regards the Expo as a "unique opportunity" to show the world that it is still a world leader in technology and innovation, said Kevin Wale, president of GM China Group.

GM and its Chinese partner SAIC have started joint construction of their Expo pavilion. The SAIC-GM Pavilion will be the only one built by auto makers at the 2010 Expo.

Future transportation will be petroleum-free, emission-free and accident-free, Wale said. Driving will be more fun and exciting.