Low-emission car models approved for production

Shanghai, June 26 (Gasgoo.com) Last Friday when China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced the oil price increase, the top Chinese economic planner issued its "production permit" to carmakers for more than 30 new vehicle models, with 18 or 60% of them being 1.6L-minus economical cars.

And the 18 low-emission models include 16 homegrown-brand models of Great Wall Motors, Tianjin FAW, Hafei Auto, Geely Auto, Southeast Motor, Maple Auto and Chery Auto. Two 1.6L models by two joint ventures -- Guangzhou Toyota and Southeast Mitsubishi -- have also got the approval. Changhan Mazda and FAW Mazda have several 1.8L-2.5L models okayed for production by the NDRC this time.

In addition, independent Chinese carmaker Zotye Auto has a new model code-named JNJ7160 approved for production, which gives Zotye the qualification for making civil sedans. The first sedan launched by Zotye is also a 1.6L low-emission model. BYD, another own-brand Chinese carmaker, has five low-emission new models approved, plus a double-fuel sedan model QCJ7160 which is the fourth new-energy vehicle model permitted by the economic planner since May for mass production.

Industry analysts said that the Chinese government has shifted the focus of its auto-making industry onto energy-efficiency vehicle models when fuel prices are surging. Its approval of so many low-emission models for production has urged car companies in the country to develop and make more new-energy vehicles. And it will be a trend for carmakers to produce low-emission mini-cars in China, said an insider of an auto-making joint venture.