More support urged for alternative fuel vehicles

China's top political advisor called Monday for more resources and support for alternative fuel vehicles to boost the car industry and spur the economy.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, a political advisory body, made the call during a visit to Beijing-based FOTON, Asia's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer.

"Alternative fuel vehicles represent the future of the car industry," he said. Such vehicles would improve the environment, reduce the impact of the financial crisis and trigger new technologies, he said during a research tour.

Jia Qinglin (C) talks with a worker about new energy automobiles in Beijing on June 22, 2009

Jia, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, urged using innovation as a priority to develop the industry, and improve research and development abilities.

He also called for more "backbone companies" with their own property rights, brands and market competitiveness.

Automakers "need to improve production abilities and services. They also need to develop more products and functions to meet market demand," he said.